MASSES, VESPERS, LITANIES, HYMNS, PSALMS, ANTHEMS & MOTETTS, 1805

Masses, Vespers, Litanies, [1st ed., 1805)

ASMI 136 

Masses, Vespers, Litanies, Hymns, Psalms, Anthems & Motetts. [The title is inscribed above and below a picture of an angel. A banner reads 'Cantate Domino.' The picture is signed 'S: J. Reynolds Pinx. D. Edwin sc.'] Composed, selected and arranged, for the use of the Catholic Churches, in the United States of America [.] Respectfully dedicated by permission to the Right Revd. John Carrol D.D. Bishop of Baltimore, by Benjamin Carr. Price bound one eagle[.] Sold by J. Carr, Baltimore G. Blake, Philadelphia J. Hewitt, New-York, & F. Mallet, Boston.

vi, [2], 126 p. 133 x 23.5 cm. p. [i], 1-126 engraved.

[1805.] The following note, dated Philadelphia, 1 Aug. 1805, appears on p. [iii]: 'As several proposals for publishing this work have been sent to parts too distant to receive the names of the Subscribers in due time, it has been suggested to the Editors the propriety of not immediately closing the subscription - In consequence of which, the subscription will con-tinue open till two months from this date, at the price of Seven Dollars; after which it will be advanced to Ten Dollars; the price (to non-subscribers) specified in the title of the Book.' p. [i], t-p.; p. [ii] blank; p. [iii], note about subscription; p. [iii]-vi, 'Preface'; p. [vii], 'Subscribers' Names'; p. [viii], 'Index'; p. 1-126, music. The following Collection was not originally designed for publication; the Mass in three parts, being prepared for a particular occasion, and most of the other pieces composed or selected for the use of the choir of St. Augustine, at different times, as required. There being no books of sacred music for this purpose published in this country, arranged for different voices, it was suggested, that a work of the present kind might be of essential service to the different choirs in the United States, by being conducive to their singing in parts; and the clergy, and some leading members of the congregation, having kindly offered to promote, all in their power, such an undertaking, the following sheets are with defference presented to the public. Should they be the humble means of improving the choirs in general, by adding harmony to their melody, the author will not think his labour ill bestowed. [New par.] In the Mass in three parts, I have only taken a part of the "Gloria," fearing that the whole would render the performance too long; but in the Mass in two parts, the whole of it will be found judiciously composed by Mr. Webbe of London. In the collection of Anthems, &c. particular pieces will be found for Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide; the others (except in one or two instances) are for general use: but it is presumed that there is fully sufficient in num.ber and variety, for every Sunday in the year further was not contemplated or promised. The work being already considerably augmented beyond the number of pages specified, an addition of appropriate pieces for every holiday would require at least another volume: but the editors would, at any time, engage in publishing a second book, containing motetts for each particular festival, &c. should such a work be deemed necessary, and a sufficient number of subscribers offer to indemnify them in the expense. [New par.] Any society of vocal performers, who study sacred music for the purpose of assisting in divine service, and who would wish to add to their collection of music, are informed, that there is published in London, under the inspection of, and principally composed by Mr. Webbe, (a character well known for science and taste) a collection of Masses and another of Antiphons or Motetts, [fn.: The "Stabat Mater's," of Pergolesi and Haydn, are likewise published in London.] which they would find valuable acquisitions; and the continent of Europe must be able to supply numberless publications of this kind of genuine merit. If they wish hymns or anthems, with English words, this continent supplies many collections of sacred music; particularly one published in New-York, by Mr. W. Pirson, under the auspices of Dr. Jackson, and one by Mr. John Cole of Baltimore, both highly deserving of public patronage: Further augmentations of English anthems Great Britain can supply in abundance, in publications of the works of Handel, Purcell, Blow, Boyce, Greene, Stanley, Arnold, and a long list of names of high repute that it is needless to enumerate; but no choir, who are able to accomplish the performance of it, should be without Handel's Messiah-it is a library in itself, that would furnish appropriate pieces for almost every particular day throughout the year, for any Christian church of whatever denomination.... In the selection of Anthems, &c. some pieces of this truly great composer will be found. [New par.] The "Te Deum," which concludes this work, is (from my not being in possession of the Latin words at the time,) in English: this I regret, and have since endeavoured to adapt it to the Latin; but finding it would entirely derange the music, I concluded on retaining the English words. In the arrangement of this work the treble or first part is brought directly over the bass, and the harmony filled up in small notes: this may assist amateurs and young performers in the execution of the music, and will by no means prevent the skilful organist from throwing in that fullness and variety of accompan-iment, which may make the most trivial piece interesting. I must arrest the severity of the critic from any severe observations on the above, or any other particular arrangements that may be made to further the study of choral music, now in its infancy in this country-A humble endeavour on my part, to render the music contained in this book attainable, the liberal mind will duly appreciate. [New par.] A few hints to the young or inexperienced Organist perhaps may not be deemed impertinent. [These suggestions follow.]... [New par.] Should [the organist] wish to instruct the choir in singing in parts, the following method may be found successful, with perseverance on his part, even should the singers have only the advantage of good ears, without much musical knowledge, -viz. [fn.: Let it be remembered, that this advice is only to those who have not the advantage of attending a regular singing school.] First of all play the bass part in single notes, to those who are to sing it, till they are perfect in it; then the same with the tenor or second voices; after which make the tenors and basses sing their parts together, and should any few notes be found difficult, practise again the single notes with each part separately, and again try them together, and endeavour to make the tenors and basses very perfect, [fn.: It will be best to teach them in small portions-a few bars at a time.] before they even hear the upper part: when that is done, the treble or first part is easily taught and added. Should he employ a little industry in this way, he will in the end be rewarded by hearing a flow of harmony round him, instead of that dull, disagreeable, horrid monotony of all singing the same tone, alike disgusting to the hearers, and disgraceful to those who indulge in so idle, vulgar, and childish a method. [New par.] I should be ungrateful were I to conclude without offering my acknowledgements, to those who have kindly patronized this undertaking; particularly to the right Reverend Dr. John Carrol, the worthy and highly respected Bishop of Baltimore; the Reverend Clergy in general; the managers of St. Mary's Church, and to those respectable names who form the list of subscribers: likewise to my friend Mr. Rayner Taylor, who, with a liberality that always accompanies real merit, has enriched the collection with some of his compositions, and in many instances I am indebted to his judgment and experience in this my first essay in church music. To the directors and singers of those Choirs who have made election of this work, my thanks are also due. [signed] B[enjamin] C[arr].' (Extract from Preface.)

          58 compositions, incl. 8 anthems, 2 set-pieces, I canon, 2 Masses (1 w. 9 pieces, I w. 6), 1 Vespers (w. 6 chants & 1 Magnificat), 1 litany, & 1 litany chant; also 37 responses, all of the above set in keyboard score for 1, 2 & 3 voices w. keyboard accompaniment; full text. Also 7 keyboard pieces & 5 interludes not included in count. Vocal pieces attrib. to Dr. Arnold, Barbandt, Bird, Revd. Dr. Blake, B. Carr (17), arr. B. Carr (composers are Corelli, Handel, Haydn), Dr. Greene, Handel (4), Kent, Kent & R. Taylor, Kozeluch, Madan, Paxton, Pleyel, Purcell, R. Taylor (10), Webbe (7); instrumental pieces attrib. to Arne, B. Carr (2), Jomelli, Pleyel, Schetky, R. Taylor. 124 1st pr. identified (by Carr: Ave Regina, Gloria Patri, Hymn to St. Augustine, Litany, Mass [9 items], Salve Regina, Stabat Mater, Te Deum; by R. Taylor: Ave Maria, Prayer, Vespers Chants [6]), also 14 1st Am. pr. (Acquaint thyself, Alma Redemptoris, Magnificat, Motets [4], Regina Coeli, Solemn Mass [6 items]). 27 American compositions, 27 non-American, 1 by both (Kent & Taylor), 3 unidentified [Litany chant, Motets: Caro mea, & Levavi oculos] (27 attrib. Americans; 22 attrib. non-Americans, 5 traced). 

13 Core Repertory.

          S8141 (MBNEC). MBNEC, MH, MWA (lacks note about subscription on p. [iii]).

NOTE: The tabulation above does not include instrumental music or responses.