WILLIAM DAWSON

William Dawson (fl. Philadelphia, ca. 1754) identified himself on the title-page of his only tunebook as a 'writing master and accomptant.'

          Sonneck 1905, р. 19.

THE YOUTHS ENTERTAINING AMUSEMENT, 1754

ASMI 165 

The Youths Entertaining Amusement, or A Plain Guide to Psalmody. Being a collection of the most usual, and necessary tunes sung in the English Protestant congregations in Philadelphia, &c. In two parts, viz. treble and bass, with all proper and necessary rules, adapted to the meanest capacities. By W. Dawson, writing master and accomptant, at the Hand and Pen in Third-Street, Philadelphia.

Psalms xxxxvii. 7. God is king of all the earth, sing ye praises with understanding. 

Psalms cxxxxix. 1. Praise ye the Lord, sing unto the Lord a new song; and His praise in the congregations of saints.

Philadelphia: printed at the German printing-office in Third-Street, and sold by the author. MDCCLIV.

3 p.l., [I], 63 p. | 16 x 9.5 cm. |  p. no. 56 inverted.

Preface dated Philadelphia, 1 June 1754. Philadelphia Pennsylvania Gazette, 11 July 1756 advertises work as published. | Ist p.l. recto, t-p.; verso blank; 2d & 3d L., recto & verso, "To all Lovers of Psalmody: The Preface'; p. [1], [1]-27, 'An Introduction to Psalmody's p. 28-45, music; p. 45, 'A Short Ode on Music'; p. 46-63, 'A Supplement... Of Psalms and Hymns adapted to the several different Metres.' 'I have in some Measure treated, of Musick in general, yet am particularly confin'd, to the most Necessary Parts of Psalmody; as being unacquainted with any other, and but a Student in it. What follows is done with no Ambition of Appearing in Publick; or Claiming any Right to the Composition of any of the Tunes; or making, the least Alteration from what they are in the best Authors I could find. [New par.] I must confess there is no Necessity for this Piece, to the Publick in general; as being plentifully stor'd with Learn'd and Skilful Authors on this Science, but what induc'd Me, was; being in the Capacity of a Teacher, thought it would be necessary for my Scholars, and Others to have a Collection of the most usual, and necessary Tunes in Two Parts viz. Treble and Bass; sung in the English Protestant Congregations in Philadelphia, and Places adjacent; likewise upon Examination found, there were several Tunes us'd in publick Worship, not to be had in Print; and such as are to be had by being intermix'd with the Psalms, come too high for the Use of Learners; so that here is a small Piece for a small Price, sufficient to Answer the End design'd; and that is, the Encouragement and Propagation of a heavenly Science.' (Extract from Preface.)

          50 compositions for 2 voices; textless. | No attribs. | 15 1st Am. pr. identified ( 2 American compositions, 42 non-American, 6 unidentified [DEAL, DEPTFORD, GREENWICH, NORWICH NEW, PSALM 108, ST. THOMAS'S] (2 traced to American sources [PSALM 100 NEW, SOUTHWELL NEW]; 42 traced to non-Americans). | 18 Core Repertory (1st Am. pr. COLESHILL, ST. ANN'S).

E7181 (no copy on Readex). | PPL*.

NOTE: The 'German printing-office in Third-street' was managed by Godhart Armbrüster, according to Brown 1950, p. 53.

ASMI 242-243