SAMUEL CAPEN
Samuel Capen (b. Dorchester, Mass., 20 Sept. 1745; d. Stoughton, Mass., 7 Oct. 1809) was a composer and tavern keeper. In the years 1767-87 he kept a tavern in Stoughton, and he was a prominent and active singer and member of the Stoughton Musical Society. His only tunebook is comprised entirely of his own music.
Bio-bib. Also Hayden 1929, p. 69-70; Huntoon 1893, p. 209-10, 309, 311.
THE NORFOLK HARMONY, 1805
ASMI 135
The Norfolk Harmony No. 1. Being an original composition of anthems and set pieces; with a variety of metres and airs suitable for divine worship, and for the use of musical societies: consisting of three and four parts. To which is added, a concise introduction to the grounds of music. By Samuel Capen. Boston: printed by Manning and Loring, for the author Nov. 1805.
63, [1] p. 13 x 22.5 cm.
Copyright granted, 12 Nov. 1805, District of Massachusetts, to Samuel Capen as author. ¶p. [i], t-p.; p. [ii], copyright notice; p. [iii], 'Preface'; p. [iv]-vi, 'A concise Introduction to the Grounds of Music'; p. vi, 'Lessons for Tuning the Voice'; p. [7]-63, music; p. [64], 'Index.' 'The author of the following sheets, having composed a number of anthems, airs, &c. more to gratify his own curiosity, and for personal amusement, than with a view of presenting them to the public; has, however, been induced to risk a small pamphlet, to take its fate amidst the numerous authors, and great variety of music, flowing in from every quarter. If it should meet with that approbation and success which an author naturally wishes, it will be an encouragement to bring forward No. 2, at some future and not far distant period. In the following pieces, the author has not rigidly adhered to the admired rules of composition; nature has been his guide, and art his assistant; he never has been over fond of introducing discordant strains, to render others more agreeable. In his opinion, singing and vociferation are different things. He has ever been an admirer of soft music, which, as Mr. Holden most happily expresses it, "is always accompanied with graceful motion, just expression, proper accent, and captivating harmony."" (Preface in full.)
39 compositions, incl. 2 anthems & 5 set-pieces, for 4 voices, a few for 3; full text. T-p. attribs. all to Capen. 1 34 1st pr. identified, also 2 poss. Ist pr. (AN EVENING WALK and FALMOUTH both appeared also in Jenks's The Delights of Harmony, 1805; DOVE, NORFOLK, and WALPOLE were previously printed elsewhere). ¶ All are American.
No Core Repertory.
S8133 (MWA). CtY, MB, MWA*, RPB.
ASMI pp. 213-214