SACRED MUSIC, 1803

ASMi 154 

Sacred Music; published for the use of the Cecilian Society. Established under the patronage of the clergy and vestry of St. Paul's Parish, Baltimore. By S. & J. Cole. (To be continued occasionally.)

2 p.l., 4, 16 p. 124 x 22 cm.

[1803.] Dedication signed Saml. & John Cole, dated Baltimore, 3 Jan. 1803. Constitution of 'United Choirs,' p. 1, dated 30 Nov. 1802. 1st p.l. recto, t-p.; verso, '(Copy-right secured)'; 2d 1. recto, dedication 'To The Members Of The Cecilian Society'; verso, performance instructions, 'Errata, colophon, '(John Cole print.)'; p. 1-3, 'Articles Agreed On By The United Choirs Of Christ Church And St. Pauls'; p. 4, choir roster, reports of meetings up to 2 Jan. 1803; p. 1-16, music. You are here presented with the first number of a work, which it is our intention to continue, as occasion may require. [New par.] Those of you who have made considerable progress in the science, will, on perusal, find that it contains simple, though correct compositions, calculated expressly for the present state of the Society, collec-tively. In the succeeding numbers, we shall endeavor to furnish a supply of such pieces as are calculated for the further improvement of the Society.' (Extract from dedication.) 'As this work will doubtless fall into the hands of many amateurs, it may be necessary to mention the manner in which music is performed by the Cecilian Society. [New par.] In all cases the Air, or principal part, is performed by the Treble Voices. [New par.] The part, which by some is erroneously called the Treble, is performed by Tenor voices. [New par.] The Counter-tenor is performed by men and boys; and the Bass as usual, by men. [New par.] The Interludes are played on an Organ, with which the whole performance is accompanied. [New par.] In this arrangement, which obtains in all regular performances in Europe, there is no unmeaning jumble of sounds; for the accuteness of the Treble voices renders the Air predominant, and the music of course is intelligible, even to those unacquainted with the nature of Harmony.' (Comments on performance in full.)

          14 compositions, incl. 2 anthems & 1 canon, for 2, 3, & 4 voices; full text. Attribs. to Dr. Alcock, Dr. Arnold, J. Bailey, Byrd, H. Carey, John Cole (2), T. Costellow, Dr. Haydn, Pleyel, Mr. Shrubsole. 2 1st pr. identified (2 by Cole), also 5 1st Am. pr. (ANGELS ROLL, CHRISTMAS HYMN, MORNING HYMN, Non nobis domine, PSALM 67). 12 American compositions, 11 non-American, 1 unidentified [PSALM 67] (2 attrib. Americans; 9 attrib. non-Americans, 2 traced). 

1 Core Repertory.

          S3981 (RPB). DLC, MdHi, RPB*.

NOTE: Though serial publication is implied by title-page and front matter, there is no evidence that further numbers were issued.

ASMI pp.  233-234