CONCERTS AND CURES AT THE CRICHTON ROYAL INSTITUTION, 1840-1860

Abstract

The Crichton Royal Institution in Dumfries, founded in 1839, was renowned for its programme of educational and recreative activities, firmly part of the system of ‘moral management’ embedded by its founding physician, W. A. F. Browne. Music played a key part in this system, with a series of concerts at the core. This article summarizes Browne’s approach to music as a therapeutic agent before examining the rich body of extant concert programmes and associated material. It draws out key elements such as the inclusion of sacred music, early music, Scottish repertory, and music for education, using these to frame a close study of a defined musical community. Unlike examples of music used in English asylums, Browne’s use of ‘national’ music (namely Scottish traditional music) represents the application of a specific musical repertory in a way that directly linked it to health benefits.