The art of music, Vol. 04 (of 14) : $b Music in America
History
The art of music, Vol. 04 (of 14) : $b Music in America
Music -- History and criticism; Musicians
English talent conjoined at Boston with German in this educational
work. Dr. G. J. Jackson, an English musician of the order of William
Tuckey and Rayner Taylor--indeed, he was Taylor's schoolmate--had come
to America in 1796, and taught music at Norfolk and Alexandria, Va.,
and Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York. In his northward progress
he arrived in Boston in 1812, and became organist successively of the
Brattle Street Church, King's Chapel, Trinity Church, and St. Paul's
Church. He was the leading choirmaster of his day, teaching the English
method of chanting, and was employed as music teacher by the first
families. He published a book of chants, anthems, etc., and contributed
original compositions to 'The Churchman's Choral Companion,' published
in New York in 1808 by the Rev. William Smith. His friend Rayner Taylor
was also represented in the collection.
II
A singing club, more social than serious in its purpose, had been
formed at Harvard in 1786. In 1808 a novel institution, the 'Pierean
Sodality,' was established at the college. This was a singing
fraternity, the members of which were linked together by a common
interest in music. The Sodality was the germ of the present Department
of Music in Harvard University. Out of it there arose in 1837 the
'Harvard Musical Association,' composed of alumni of the college
who had been members of the Sodality. The report of the committee
on organization admirably described the fraternal function of music
and stated the fashion in which this was to be realized by the new
association:
'Nothing unites men more than music. It makes brothers of strangers;
it makes the most diffident feel at home; the most shy and suspicious
it renders frank and full of trust; it overflows the rocks of
separation between us; it comes up like a full tide beneath us, and
opens a free intercourse of hearts.
'We propose, then, to form an association which shall meet here
annually on commencement day: if for nothing more, at least to exchange
salutations and review recollections, and feel the common bond of music
and old scenes....
'But the ultimate object proposed is the advancement of the cause of
music, particularly in this university. We would have it regarded
as an important object of attention within its walls, as something
which sooner or later must hold its place in every liberal system
of education; and that place not accidental or a stolen one, but
formally recognized. We that love music feel that it is worthy of its
professorship, as well as any other science.'
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account