ASAHEL BENHAM
Asahel Benham (b. New Hartford, Conn., 15 Dec. 1754; buried Wallingford, Conn., 5 Oct. 1803) was a composer and singing master whose singing-school teaching apparently took him as far south as Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1790. He lived in New Hartford, where he was associated with Oliver Brownson, at least until 1786. By 1793, he had settled in Wallingford. The Asahel Benham named as a subscriber to Roberts's Hartford Collection (New London, 1812) was his son (b. New Hartford, Sept. 1783). Bio-bib, Metcalf, Wolfe. Also Connecticut File; Crawford 1968, p. 63, 75; Wilson 1979, p. 100, 129.
FEDERAL HARMONY, 1790-96?
Benham's Federal Harmony appeared in six 'editions.' The second was nothing more than the first repaged and enlarged by eight pages of music at the end, and the rest were identical in content with the second. The engraved portions of the work-the rudiments and the music-were printed from the same plates in all editions; typographical matter was reset for each.
All editions of Federal Harmony display garbled paging. The first is the most accurate. Though some copies contain disordered front matter, the binder, not the printer or engraver, is responsible. In the second edition, however, repagination caused an inconsistency that continued through all later issues. The first edition had been paged successively (12, 36 p.). In the second Benham had the plate numbers altered for continuous paging: the page numbers of the engraved rudiments were changed from 5-8 to 7-10, and the music, heretofore pages 1-36, became 15-50. (The eight additional pages of music were numbered 51-58.) The plates must have been renumbered before the typographical matter was set, for it turned out that Benham had only four, not six, pages of material to precede the engraved rudiments, which now began with page 7, and he had not six but eight pages of typographical matter to insert between the end of the rudiments (p. 10) and the start of the music (p. 15). The result was that in the second and all later editions of the work there is a gap between the first four pages and the rudiments (as if p. 5-6 were missing), and an overlap after the second typeset group, with pages 15 and 16 (left unnumbered in the second and third editions but numbered thereafter) being followed by pages 15 and 16 of the music.
Federal Harmony, [1st ed.), 1790
ASMI 89
Federal Harmony; containing, in a familiar manner, the rudiments of psalmody, together with a collection of church music; (most of which are entirely new.) By Asahel Benham. New-Haven: printed by A. Morse; M.DCC.XC.
12,36 p. 12 x 19 cm. p. 5-8, 1-36 engraved [possibly by Amos Doolittle]. See note below, under Doolittle. p. 13 wrongly numbered 16.
The New Haven Connecticut Journal, 15 Dec. 1790, advertises this as just published; copyright granted, 17 Sept. 1791, District of Connecticut, to Asahel Benham, according to Connecticut Journal, 28 Sept. 1791. p. [1], t-p.; p. [2] blank; p. [3], introductory note; p. [4], 'Index'; p. 5-8, rudiments; p. [9]-12, 'General Directions For Learners'; p. 1-36, music. The publisher cheerfully presents the following Collection of Music (without either Gloss or Com-ment) to the Inspection of the Public; if it meets with their Approbation, his most sanguine Wishes are answered: if not, the Consequence is obvious.' (Introductory note in full.)
40 compositions, incl. 1 set-piece, for 4 voices; full text. Attribs. to Brownson (3), Edson (3), Fasset, M. Kyes, Morgan (8), Reed (2), Swan (2). 30 1st pr. identified (all except AYLESBURY, BABYLON, BEDFORD, COLESHILL, MEAR, OLD 100, PROVIDENCE, STANDISH, TRUMBULL, WELLS). 33 American compositions, 7 non-American (20 attrib. Americans, 13 traced; 7 traced to non-Americans [AYLESBURY, BEDFORD, COLESHILL, MEAR, OLD 100, STANDISH, WELLS]). 8 Core Repertory (1st pr. MONTGOMERY).
E22340 (composite copy on Readex). CtHi (front matter & music inc.), CtY, DLC (paged [1-4], [9]-12, 5-8, 1-36; p. 13 numbered correctly), MWA (front matter bound out of order).
NOTE: Britton 1949 also locates copies in RHi and RPJCB that were not found in a 1970 search.
Federal Harmony, 2d ed., 1792
ASMI 90
Federal Harmony, containing, in a familiar manner. The rudiments of psalmody, together with a collection of church music; (most of which are entirely new.) By Asahel Benham. The second edition, New-Haven: printed by A. Morse; M.DCC.XCII.
[4],7-10, [9]-14 p., 11., 15-58 p. p. 7-10, 15-58 engraved [possibly by Amos Doolittle].
New Haven Connecticut Journal, 19 Sept. 1792, advertises collection for sale. p. [1], t-p.; p. [2] blank; p. [3], introductory note; p. [4], 'Index'; p. 7-10, rudiments; p. [9]-14, 'General Directions for Learners'; 1. recto, 'A Psalm from Mr. Barlow's Imitation of the Psalms of David'; verso, 'A Hymn for Wallingsford'; p. 15-58, music. p. 7-10, 15-50 printed from same plates, renumbered, as 1st ed. (No. 8g), p. 5-8, 1-36.
48 compositions, incl. 1 anthem & 1 set-piece, for 4 voices; full text. Attribs, to Brownson (3), A. Cook, I. Cook (2), Edson (3), Fasset, French, Hall, M. Kyes (2), Morgan (8), Reed (2), Swan (2).15 1st pr. identified (CRUCIFICTION, FRANKLIN, FRIENDSHIP, MORTALITY, SYMPATHY). 41 American compositions, 7 non-American (26 attrib. Americans, 15 traced; 7 traced to non-Americans [AYLESBURY, BEDFORD, COLESHILL, MEAR, OLD 100, STANDISH, WELLS]). 9 Core Repertory.
E24092 (CtY). CtY (Music Library).
ASMI 90A
Federal Harmony... The second edition, New-Haven: printed by A. Morse; M.DCC.XCII.
[4], 7-10, [9]-14 р., 11., 15-30, 17-20, 35-58 p. p. 7-10, 15-30, 17-20, 35-58 engraved.
This issue appeared before the main entry, for p. 17-20 retain the numbers they had in the 1st ed. Apparently the mistake was noticed before the press run was finished, for in the copy described in the main entry these pages are correctly renumbered 31-34. Contents same as main entry. Engraved portions printed from same plates as main entry.
Music same as main entry.
Not in Evans (no copy on Readex). CtY* (Rare Book Library).
Federal Harmony, [3d ed.], 1793
ASMI 91
[Federal Harmony . . . The third edition . . . 1793]
7-10, [9]-14 p., 11., 15-58 p. p. 7-10, 15-58 engraved. All copies located lack all before p. 7.
Copy in CtHT-W has written on inside of front cover: 'April 26 1793. Bought of Mr. Wood the Singin Master.' Evans assumes 1793 date and imprint 'Middletown: Woodward' from advertisement of 'Benham's Singing Books for Sale at this Office, Middlesex Gazette, 26 Jan. 1793. Contents apparently same as 2d ed. (No. 90). Engraved portions printed from same plates as 2d ed.
Music same as 2d ed.
E25159 (no copy on Readex). CtHT-W* (2; both lack t-p. & have front matter inc.; the one not described here is b.w. Read, The Columbian Harmonist No. 2, & Edson, The Social Harmonist, 3d ed., 1803).
Federal Harmony, 4th ed., [1794]
ASMI 92
Federal Harmony... The fourth edition. Middletown: printed by Moses H. Woodward.
[4],7-10, [9]-16, 15-58 p. p. 7-10, 15-58 engraved.
Evans gives date of 1794 without documentation. p. [1], tp. p. [2] blank; p. [3]. introductory note; p. [4]. 'Index'; p. 7-10, rudiments; p. [9]-14, 'General Directions for Learners'; p. 15, 'A Psalm from Mr. Barlow's Imitation of the Psalms of David'; p. 16, 'A Hymn for Wallingsford'; p. 15-58, music. Engraved portions printed from same plates as 2d ed. (No. 90).
Music same as 2d ed.
E26640 (MWA). MWA".
Federal Harmony, 5th ed., [1795?]
ASMI 93
Federal Harmony The fifth edition. Middletown: printed by Moses H. Woodward.
[4],7-10, [9]-16, 15-58 p. p. 7-10, 15-58 engraved.
Evans gives date of 1795 without documentation. ICN copy has following note on inside of front cover: 'I had an imperfect copy of this book belonging to "Lorrain Loomis Jan 1795" which I gave to W. E. Chute Aug. 12 1880. [signed] H. P. Main.' Hubert P. Main was a composer and publisher of hymn tunes and something of a hymnologist as well. His note, however, may refer to some edition other than the fifth. Contents same as 4th ed. (No. 92). Engraved portions printed from same plates as 2d ed. (No. 90).
Music same as 2d ed.
E28261 (no copy on Readex). ICN, MOKU.
Federal Harmony, 6th ed., [17962]
ASMI 94
Federal Harmony... The sixth edition. Middletown: printed by Moses H. Woodward.
[4],7-10, [9]-16, 15-58 p. p. 7-10, 15-58 engraved.
Evans gives date of 1796 without documentation. DLC copy t-p. has note: 'Bought the 28th of March Anno: 179[72]. Contents same as 4th ed. (No. 92). Engraved portions printed from same plates as 2d ed. (No. go).
Music same as 2d ed.
E30054 (DLC). Ct, CtHi (lacks t-p.; front matter inc.), CtY, DLC, MIU-C, NHI. NOTE: A copy of Benham's Federal Harmony in PPIPT lacks all before p. 9, and thus the edition cannot be identified.
SOCIAL HARMONY, 1798-1801?
Benham's Social Harmony was printed several times, but with only one change in date and one change in musical content, and with no indication of edition number. Copies take one of three forms: a 56-page issue with a preface date 6 Sept. 1798, a 60-page issue with the same preface date, and a 56-page issue with a preface date 6 Sept. 1799. The music on pages 17-56 of all versions is printed from the same engraved plates, the 60-page issue merely adding four new pages of music at the end. Typographical variations in front matter distinguish different printings.
The added music in the 60-page issue provides the key to the sequence of issues. Pages 57-60 are printed from the plates originally used for pages 41-44 of Merit Woodruff's Devotional Harmony, q.v. (No. 530), a work that Benham saw through the press after Wood-ruff's death. In the copy in InGo it is obvious that pages 57-60 originally bore other page numbers. (The number 41 lurks unmistakably behind the 57.) Therefore, the 60-page issue postdates Woodruff's Devotional Harmony which, though lacking a title-page date, can be assigned to 1801; it was advertised as just published in the New Haven Connecticut Journal, 22 Jan. 1801. Despite its 1798 preface date, then, the 60-page issue must be dated 1801 or later.
Minor variations in typography indicate that the first issue (preface date 6 Sept. 1798, 36 p.) was printed twice and that the third (preface date 6 Sept. 1798, 60 p.) was also printed twice. These variations are described at the end of the entries for each item.
Social Harmony, [1st ed., 1798]
ASMI 95
Social Harmony: containing first, the rudiments of psalmody made easy. Second, a collection of modern music, calculated for the use of singing schools and worshipping assemblies. By Asahel Benham, author of Federal Harmony. Published according to act of Congress.
56 p. 112 x 20 cm. 1 p. 5-8, 17-56 engraved; p. 17 signed by C. Beecher.
Preface dated Wallingford, 6 Sept. 1798; advertised as just published in New Haven Connecticut Journal, 24 Oct. 1798. p. [1], t-p.; p. [2], 'Advertisement'; p. [3], 'Preface'; p. [4] "Index'; p. 5-8, rudiments; p. 9-14, 'Miscellaneous Observations'; p. [15], 'Musical Terms'; p. [16], 'Ordination Hymn, for the Tune Jerusalem'; p. 17-56, music. "The several Authors that have credit for Music in this work, have generously relinquished their Copy Right to the Publisher. (Excerpt from Advertisement.) 'The Editor in compiling the following Sheets of Music, has endeavoured to make a collection that will be useful and pleasing.-Singing is not only a requisite part of divine worship, but it is of great use to refine and soften the passions, and mould our thoughts into a sacred devotion, and to beget harmony and uniformity of sentiment in our Holy Religion. It is matter of regret to the friends of Sacred Music that so little regard is paid to improvement in that useful and sublime part of divine service-should measures be adopted whereby youth, at a suitable age may be taught the elements of vocal Music, the salutary effects would soon be manifest as a shining ornament to our societies and worshipping assemblies-Psalmody makes impressions on the mind which lead to virtue, and at the same time diverts it from dangerous habits-It inspires us with love to God, a zeal for his holy worship, and the institutions of Christianity. (Preface in full.) p. 5-8 printed from the same plates, renumbered, as p. 7-10 of Benham, Federal Harmony, 2d ed. (No. 90).
45 compositions, incl. 1 anthem & 2 set-pieces, for 4 voices; full text. Attribs. to Bray, Brooks (7), Coan (4), Doolittle, Hills (2), Holden (2), M. Kyes (10), Merriman (2), Morgan, Peck, Unknown (2), Weeks (2), Wetmore (2), Woodruff (2).38 1st pr. identified (all except CONCORD, FAIRLEE, MARIETTA, MORTALITY, PORTSMOUTH, SYMPHONY, WAL-LINGFORD). 42 compositions by Americans, 3 unidentified [CONSUMMATION, JERU-SALEM, REDEMPTION) (37 attrib. Americans, 5 traced). No Core Repertory.
E33398 (MWA). CtHi, ICN, MWA, MIU-C, NNUT, NeWsM (lacks t-p.; 2 1. of blank staves bound at end).
NOTE: The preface date is printed 'Wallingford, September 6, 1798.' in some copies (CtHi, MWA); it is printed 'WALLINGFORD, September 6, 1798. in another (NNUT), and 'WALLINGFORD, September 6, 1798 in others (ICN, NcWsM).
Daniel Read, The Columbian Harmonist No. 1 (New Haven, [1793]), in MiU-C contains a manuscript copy of REDEMPTION, attributed to Benham and dated 14 Feb. 1796, showing that REDEMPTION circulated in manuscript before it was printed. The earliest American printing is in Benham's Social Harmony, 1798.
ASMI 95A
Social Harmony . . .
60 р.р. 5-8, 17-60 engraved.
Preface dated Wallingford, 6 Sept. 1798. However, the last 4 p. are printed from plates originally used for Woodruff, Devotional Harmony [1801]. Therefore this issue was first pub-lished in 1801 or later. Contents same as main entry, except: p. 17-60, music. p. 5-8, 17-56 printed from same plates as main entry; p. 57-60 printed from plates, renumbered, used for p. 41-44 in Merit Woodruff, Devotional Harmony (No. 530).
49 compositions, incl. 1 anthem & 2 set-pieces, for 4 voices; full text. Attribs. to Bray, Brooks (7), Coan (4), Doolittle, Hills (2), Holden (2), M. Kyes (10), Merriman (2), Morgan, Peck, Unknown (2), Weeks (2), Wetmore (2), Woodruff (6). No rst pr. identified. 46 compositions by Americans, 3 unidentified [see main entry] (41 attrib. Americans, 5 traced). No Core Repertory.
Not in Evans or Shaw-Shoemaker (no copy on Readex). CLU, Ct, CtHC (many pages lacking), CtHi, CtY (2), DLC, MIU-C*, NcWsM (lacks t-p.), NN (2).
NOTE: All copies have not been examined for typographical variations. However, in some the preface date is printed 'Wallingford, September 6, 1798.' (CtHi, CtHC, CIY, DLC, NN); in others it is printed 'WALLINGFORD. September 6, 1798.' (MiU-C, NN, NcWsM).
See also Woodruff, Devotional Harmony [1801] (No. 530).
Social Harmony, [2d ed., 1799)
ASMI 96
Social Harmony Published according to act of Congress.
56 p. p. 5-8, 17-56 engraved.
Preface dated Wallingford, 6 Sept. 1799. MWA copy dated 1799 in hand of original owner. Contents same as 1st ed. (No. 95). Engraved portions printed from same plates as 1st ed.
Music same as ist ed.
E36331 (MWA). CtY, MWA, MIU-C".
ASMI pp. 161-167