STEPHEN JENKS
Stephen Jenks (b. Glocester, R.I., 17 March 1772; d. Thompson, Ohio, 3 June 1856) was a composer and singing master. He grew up in Ellington, Connecticut, where his family owned a farm. Though concentrating on sacred music, he issued two secular songsters as well. During his most active years as a compiler (1799-1810), Jenks lived in small towns in Connecticut (Ridgefield, New Canaan, Plainfield) and New York State (Poundridge). He and his family may thereafter have moved to Rhode Island before emigrating to Thompson, Ohio, in 1829, where he lived out his life on a small farm, reputedly making drums and tambourines. The Newberry Library owns a manuscript tunebook of Jenks's compositions in the composer's own hand.
Amerigrove, Bio-bib, Grove, Metcalf, Sonneck-Upton, Wolfe. Also Cheney 1879, р. 182-83; Lowens 1976, p. 101, 179; Steel 1982. Birthdate in Allen 1922.
See also No. 229.
THE DELIGHTS OF HARMONY, 1804-6
During the first decade of the nineteenth century Stephen Jenks published five items under the general title The Delights of Harmony: 1) No. 287, a collection printed from engraved copper plates (1804); 2) No. 289, a collection subtitled Norfolk Compiler, printed typographi-cally (1805); 3) No. 291, a collection subtitled Union Compiler No. II, printed typographically (1806); 4) a supplement designed to be bound with The Delights of Harmony or Norfolk Compiler, printed typographically and undated (see No. 290); and 5) No. 288, a collection printed mostly from the engraved plates of the earliest Delights of Harmony, undated. The preface to The Delights of Harmony or Union Compiler No. II (1806) refers to the work as a 'periodical publication,' but earlier issues give no indication, beyond the common title, that Jenks had begun The Delights of Harmony with a periodical publication in mind. There is no evidence that the issue he proposed to bring out in the summer of 1806 ever appeared.
Jenks's biographer, David Warren Steel, has identified the 1804 edition of Jenks's The Delights of Harmony as a combination of newly engraved music with plates first engraved for The Musical Harmonist (1800). Steel writes: 'The new music filled the equivalent of nine plates, to which were added four plates from The Musical Harmonist, with the following alterations. The two plates from which sheet A of The Musical Harmonist [was] printed were used for sheet F (pages 57-64) in the new collection, but the sheet was folded in the opposite direction, so that the pages appeared in a different order [see Table 8]. The title-page of The Musical Harmonist was removed and replaced with the tune DELIGHT, but traces of the original imprint notice may be seen at the bottom of the page. The plates used for printing the obverse of sheets B and C in The Musical Harmonist were used for sheets D and B respectively, but the music on the reverse of these sheets was printed from new plates. Page numbers on the old plates were altered, and one further change was made in the old plates to make them consistent with the new: texts were underlaid for most of the tunes that had lacked them before, and textual citations were erased from several pages, although traces may still be seen. New plates were provided for both sides of sheets A, C and E, the reverse of sheets B and D, and for the final half-sheet G.' (Steel 1982, p. 50).
The Delights of Harmony, [1st ed.], 1804
ASMI 287
The Delights of Harmony, being a collection of psalm and hymn tunes, with a variety of set pieces, never before published. Likewise the necessary rules of psalmody made easy. The whole particularly designed for the use of singing schools, and musical socities in the United States. By Stephen Jenks.
The singers went before with joy, / On instruments they play'd: / The damsels with their timbrels then / In beauty were array'd. Psalm, 68, 25.
O come, let us sing unto the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. Psalm 95. 1, 2.
New-Haven, printed for the editor. 1804.
8, [4], 17-68 p. 11 x 20 cm. 1 p. 5-8, 17-68 engraved; p. 17 signed 'A[mos] Doolittle & Co. p. 13-16 omitted from pagination.
Copyright granted, 9 Nov. 1804, District of Connecticut, to Stephen Jenks as author & proprietor. p. [1], t-p.; p. [2], copyright notice; p. [3], 'Preface'; p. [4], 'To the Teachers of Music and Choristers in the United States'; p. 5-8, 'Concise Rules of Psalmody'; p. [9]-[10], 'Concise Rules of Psalmody,' essays on aspects of singing; p. [11], 'Musical Dictionary,' copyright notice signed by Holland Weeks, Waterbury, 17 May 1804, allowing Jenks to publish Weeks's MORTALITY; p. [12], 'Index'; p. 17, caption title & colophon; p. 17-68, music. 'This volume is humbly offered for your ["teachers of music and choristers in the U.S."] perusal and patronage-if found worthy of your protection, the compiler's design will be fully answered. Of the original pieces nothing will be said; they must stand or fall without the aid of panegyric from the author: and with respect to the selections here given, it is conceived that their merits are so extensively known and esteemed, as to render encomium unnecessary; it is sufficient, therefore to observe, that these tunes are printed verbatim from the original copies of the American composers; and that the English tunes are taken from the most approved copies.' (Note on p. [4] in full.) Some of the music printed from same plates as Jenks, The Musical Harmonist (1800), variant ed., No. 294. In the following pairs of numbers, the first refers to No. 294 and the second to the present item: 2664, 27-61, 28=62, 2959, 30-60, 3157,3258, 33-41, 3644, 37-45, 40-48, 4125, 44-28, 45-29, 4832. See also Table 8.
64 compositions, incl. I anthem, 1 set-piece, & 2 chants, for 4 voices (1 for 3); some w. full text, some w. incipits, some textless. Attribs. to Adams, B. Benham, Blake, Camp, Canfield, Coan, Dolph, Doolittle (2)New-Haven, printed for the editor. 1804.
8, [4], 17-68 p. 11 x 20 cm. 1 p. 5-8, 17-68 engraved; p. 17 signed 'A[mos] Doolittle & Co. p. 13-16 omitted from pagination.
Copyright granted, 9 Nov. 1804, District of Connecticut, to Stephen Jenks as author & proprietor. p. [1], t-p.; p. [2], copyright notice; p. [3], 'Preface'; p. [4], 'To the Teachers of Music and Choristers in the United States'; p. 5-8, 'Concise Rules of Psalmody'; p. [9]-[10], 'Concise Rules of Psalmody,' essays on aspects of singing; p. [11], 'Musical Dictionary,' copyright notice signed by Holland Weeks, Waterbury, 17 May 1804, allowing Jenks to publish Weeks's MORTALITY; p. [12], 'Index'; p. 17, caption title & colophon; p. 17-68, music. 'This volume is humbly offered for your ["teachers of music and choristers in the U.S."] perusal and patronage-if found worthy of your protection, the compiler's design will be fully answered. Of the original pieces nothing will be said; they must stand or fall without the aid of panegyric from the author: and with respect to the selections here given, it is conceived that their merits are so extensively known and esteemed, as to render encomium unnecessary; it is sufficient, therefore to observe, that these tunes are printed verbatim from the original copies of the American composers; and that the English tunes are taken from the most approved copies.' (Note on p. [4] in full.) Some of the music printed from same plates as Jenks, The Musical Harmonist (1800), variant ed., No. 294. In the following pairs of numbers, the first refers to No. 294 and the second to the present item: 2664, 27-61, 28=62, 2959, 30-60, 3157,3258, 33-41, 3644, 37-45, 40-48, 4125, 44-28, 45-29, 4832. See also Table 8.
64 compositions, incl. I anthem, 1 set-piece, & 2 chants, for 4 voices (1 for 3); some w. full text, some w. incipits, some textless. Attribs. to Adams, B. Benham, Blake, Camp, Canfield, Coan, Dolph, Doolittle (2), Hart, Hibbard (2), Holden (2), Howd, Jenks (21), Knapp, Langdon, Lee (3), Luther, Madan, Munson, Newcomb (2), Peck, Read (2), Terril (3), Way, Weeks (2), Wetmore, Whitney, Wilcoxson, Willcox, Williams. 118 1st pr. identifie (CONDESCENSION, DISSOLUTION, FUNERAL DIRGE, GLAD TIDINGS, GOSHEN, GRANVILLE, INVITATION, MIDDLEFIELD, NEWBURYPORT, NORWALK, ORION, RELIGION, REPOSE, SEPARATION, THE VOICE OF MY BELOVED, WASHINGTON, WEST SIMSBURY, ZION), also 2 1st Am. pr. (Chant, EVENING CHANT). 157 American compositions, 6 non-American, 1 unidentified [EVENING CHANT] (55 attrib. Americans, 2 traced [MEDITATION, PLEASANT VALLEY]; 4 attrib. non-Americans, 2 traced).
9 Core Repertory.
S6554 (CtY). CtHT-W (lacks front matter, all after p. 56), CtY*, DLC (p. [9-10] b. between p. [4] & 5), NN (lacks all after p. 64). Hart, Hibbard (2), Holden (2), Howd, Jenks (21), Knapp, Langdon, Lee (3), Luther, Madan, Munson, Newcomb (2), Peck, Read (2), Terril (3), Way, Weeks (2), Wetmore, Whitney, Wilcoxson, Willcox, Williams. 118 1st pr. identifie (CONDESCENSION, DISSOLUTION, FUNERAL DIRGE, GLAD TIDINGS, GOSHEN, GRANVILLE, INVITATION, MIDDLEFIELD, NEWBURYPORT, NORWALK, ORION, RELIGION, REPOSE, SEPARATION, THE VOICE OF MY BELOVED, WASHINGTON, WEST SIMSBURY, ZION), also 2 1st Am. pr. (Chant, EVENING CHANT). 157 American compositions, 6 non-American, 1 unidentified [EVENING CHANT] (55 attrib. Americans, 2 traced [MEDITATION, PLEASANT VALLEY]; 4 attrib. non-Americans, 2 traced).
9 Core Repertory.
S6554 (CtY). CtHT-W (lacks front matter, all after p. 56), CtY*, DLC (p. [9-10] b. between p. [4] & 5), NN (lacks all after p. 64).
Delights of Harmony, [2d ed., after 1804]
ASMI 288
Delights of Harmony, or A Choice Collection of Psalm and Hymn Tunes. By S. Jenks. [Illustrated w. cherubs & musical instruments.]
The singers went before with joy, / On instruments they play'd: / The damsels with their timbrels then / In beauty were array'd. Psalm 68.25.
New-Haven, engraved & printed for the purchaser.
8, 17-59, [1] p. 11.5 x 19 cm. Engraved throughout; p. 17 signed by A[mos] Doolittle. Texts on p. 41-48 written in a different hand from rest, suggesting that at least two engravers contributed. Pagination is irregular: p. 9-16 omitted; music paged 17-24, 49-52, 25-48, 53-59-
[After 1804.] The front flyleaf of the only known copy is dated Sept. 1811 in the hand of an early owner. The t-p. of the 1804 ed. (No. 287) claims to contain pieces 'never before published, a claim not repeated in this issue, which, much of it printed from the same plates, includes many of the same pieces. (See below.) The preface to this issue closely resembles a part of the preface to Jenks's The Delights of Harmony, or Union Compiler (1806). p. [1], t-p.; p. [2] blank; p. 3, 'Preface'; p. 4, 'General Remarks'; p. 5-8, 'Concise Rules of Psalmody'; p. 17, caption title and colophon; p. 17-24, 49-52, 25-48, 53-59, music; p. [60], 'Index.' 'The great torrent of music which is continually pouring upon the public from almost ev'ry quarter, has had, the Author believes a happy tendency to rouse the attention of many of our citizens of abilities to this very sublime and pleasing art; While at the same time he laments that a greater proportion of this music is not better calculated to ripen the taste, as well as to excite the attention to a stile of music which is not too high to be performed, nor too grovling and mean to be attempted: there is certainly a peculiar stile of music which if strictly pursued cannot fail to have that happy effect on the human understanding and affections, as a celebrated author poetically says it has on beasts and even inanimate substances.
—---"To soothe the savage breast, / To soften rocks, and bend the knotty oak!"
To contribute with those of greater abilities, to an event so laudable, the Author of this publication casts in his mite, in the same manner as a small rill empties into the ocean, cheerfully submiting it to the public for their inspection.' (Preface in full.) Much of music printed from same plates as 1804 ed. (No. 287): p. 17-40 identical in both eds.; p. 45-56 and 65-68 of the 1804 ed. become p. 41-48 and 49-52, respectively, of this issue. The shadow of the earlier numbers can be seen on some pages.
50 compositions, incl. I set-piece & 2 chants, for 4 voices (2 for 3); some textless, some w. partial text, others w. full text. Attribs. to Austin, Canfield, Coan, Dolph, Hart, Hibbard (2), Holden (2), Howd, Jenks (17), Knapp, Langdon, C. Lee, T. Lee (2), Luther, Madan, Munson, Newcomb, Read (2), Way, Weeks, Wetmore, Wilcox, Williams. 2 1st pr. identified (CHESTERFIELD, WILLIAMSBURGH). 143 American compositions, 6 non-American, 1 unidentified [EVENING CHANT] (39 compositions attrib. Americans, 4 traced; 4 attrib. non-Americans, 2 traced [CANTERBURY, MEAR]).
9 Core Repertory.
S8701 (RPB). RPB*.
The Delights of Harmony, or Norfolk Compiler, 1805
ASMI 289
The Delights of Harmony; or, Norfolk Compiler. Being a new collection of psalm tunes, hymns and anthems; with a variety of set pieces, from the most approved American and European authors. Likewise, the necessary rules of psalmody made easy. The whole particu-larly designed for the use of singing schools and musical societies in the United States. By Stephen Jenks.
The singers went before with joy, / On instruments they play'd: / The damsels with their timbrels then / In beauty were array'd. Psalm, 68, 25. O come, let us sing unto the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. Psalm 95. 1, 2.
Dedham . . . Massachusetts—printed by H. Mann, for the author, & co.---1805. Music-printing—executed with fidelity and dispatch. —A general assortment constantly for sale at his book-store.
95, [1] p. 13.5 x 21.5 cm. 1 p. xii-xiii, 84 not numbered.
Copyright granted, 27 Sept. 1805, District of Connecticut, to Stephen Jenks as author. Preface dated New Canaan, October 1805. p. [i], t-p.; p. [ii], copyright notice; p. [iii], 'Preface'; p. [iv], 'To the Teachers of Music and Choristers in the United States'; p. v-xi, 'Concise Rules Of Psalmody'; p. [xii], 'Musical Dictionary'; p. [xiii]-xv, 'List Of Subscribers' (includes Amos Albee, Abner Ellis, Herman Mann, Thaddeus Seymour); p. xvi, [17]-95, music; p. [96], 'Index,' 'Errata,' and note to subscribers. Note to teachers & choristers, p. [iv], same as note in 1804 issue (No. 287).
67 compositions, incl. 1 anthem, 4 set-pieces, & 1 canon, for 3 & 4 voices; full text. Attribs. to Austin, Capt. S. Belknap, S. Capen (3), A. Ellis (9), S. Hanford (2), G. Holbrook (2), O. Holden (2), S. Holyoke, Ingalls (2), W. Janes (2), S. Jenks (26), O. King, A. Knapp, Rev. C. Lee, Dr. Madan, A. Munson, Newcomb, S. Raymond, T. Swan (2), S. Way, Dr. Wetmore (3), R. Wilcox. 34 1st pr. identified (ANIMATION, BERNISTER, BETHLEHEM, COLUMBUS, CONTRITION, DANVILLE, DECAY, EVENING SHADE, FALMOUTH, FELICITY, FRUITION, FUNERAL ELEGY, GLORY, GRANVILLE, HARMONY, INGRATITUDE, LAMENTATION, MOUNT OLIVET, NEW CANAAN, NEW DEDHAM, NEW SUFFIELD, NEW TRIUMPH, NEWINGTON, ODE ON MARTYRDOM, ODE ON THE SETTING SUN, RAPTURE, REFUGE, SAINTS EXIT, SORROW'S TEAR, SWEET PROSPECT, SWEET FAREWELL, SYLVIA, WARNING VOICE, WEEPING NATURE), also I poss. Ist pr. (SICILY). 165 American compositions, 2 non-American (64 attrib. Americans, I traced [Canon]; 1 attrib. non-American, 1 traced).
3 Core Repertory.
S8699 (MWA). CLU, Ct, CtHC, CtY (3), DLC (2; 1 signed 'Joseph Stone's Property.
The Delights of Harmony, with Additional Music, [1805-6?]
ASMI 290
The Delights of Harmony . . . 1805 . . . bookstore.
112 p.
There is no conclusive evidence about when the Additional Music was issued, but it is assumed that it followed soon after the larger work. The Hartford Connecticut Courant, 4 Feb. 1807, advertised a 32-page 'Supplement To go with the Delights of Harmony, Or Norfolk Compiler, but no copies with such a supplement have been found. The Supplement, No. 480, perhaps compiled by Abner Ellis, is bound with some copies of Daniel Read's The Columbian Harmonist, 3d ed. (Dedham, 1806), q.v. (No. 425). Contents same as The Delights of Harmony through p. [96]. Then: p. [97], caption title: 'Additional Music, to the Delights of Harmony, &c.'; p. [97]-112, music; p. 112, 'Index.'
Music on p. [97]-112: 16 compositions, incl. 1 set-piece, for 4 voices; full text. Attribs. to J. Adams, A. Bull, Handel, J. Hills, O. Holden, W. Janes (2), S. Jenks (5), T. Swan, Dr. Wetmore (2), Williams. 18 1st pr. identified (COMPASSION, FUNERAL ELEGY, GOOD FRIDAY, GREENLAND, HOLLISTON, SUBMISSION, TORRINGFORD, WALPOLE NEW). 14 compositions attrib. Americans; 2 attrib. non-Americans.
1 Core Repertory.
Not in Shaw-Shoemaker (no copy on Readex). CtHC (b.w. Jenks, The Delights of Harmony, 1806), CtHT-W, CtY, InGo, MH (music inc.), MHi (inc.), MWA*, MiU-C (lacks all after p. 104), RPB (lacks all after p. 104).
The Delights of Harmony, or Union Compiler, 1806
ASMI 291
Laus Deo! The Delights of Harmony; or Union Compiler. No. II. Being a collection of the most celebrated European and American music, chiefly original. Designed particularly for the use of singing schools and musical societies in the United States[.] By Stephen Jenks. Copy-right secured agreeably to law. Dedham—Massachusetts: printed at the music-press of H. Mann, for the author, and sold at his bookstore, and by the booksellers in the principal places in the Union.---January–-1806.
48 p. 13.5 x 23 cm.
Copyright granted, 31 Dec. 1805, District of Massachusetts, to Stephen Jenks as author. Preface dated Dedham, Jan. 1806.1 p. [1], t-p.; p. [2], copyright notice; p. [3], 'Preface'; p. [4], 'Index'; p. [5]-48, music. The very flattering success, which has attended the former publications of the Author, is one principal inducement to his commencing a pu-lication of this kind. [New par.] The plan of this periodical publicatton has long occupied his attention, and was actually begun on copper plate; to which, or to "The Delights of Harmony; or Norfolk Compiler," lately printed by H. Mann, the student is referred to all the rules that are necessary. [New par. There follows, in slightly altered form, the statement beginning 'The great torrent of music,' quoted above in entry No. 288.] His design, in these small publications, periodically, is not only to accommodate every purchaser, but particu-larly, that he may have opportunity to watch the prevailing tastes for music, and be thereby better able to determine, at least for himself, which is best. And if he should chance to be right, a publication of this kind must have a decided preference to large volumes, which will embrace, from time to time, only such music as shall be wanted for actual use, either in the school, in social societies, or in the house of devotion. [New par.] But as long prefaces are either not read at all, or found to contain promises more than the Author means, or can perform, he stops here, promising the public, that should this Number meet their approba-tion, a succeeding one shall, in the course of the summer, be given them.' (Extract from Preface.)
31 compositions, incl. 2 anthems & 6 set-pieces, for 3 & 4 voices; full text. Attribs. to Albee, Dr. Arne, Rev. S. Camp, Coan, E. Doolittle (2), Handel, O. Holden (3), S. Jenks (8), Rev. C. Lee, Capt. T. Lee, M. Luther, D. Read (2), Smith, Sumner, Swan (2), Tansur's Coll., Dr. Wetmore, A. Williams. 5 1st pr. identified (CLAPBOARDTREES, DIVINE LOVE, SUFFERING SAVIOUR, TUNEFUL HARP, WESTERN STAR), also 1 1st Am. pr. (PSALM 147). 24 American compositions, 7 non-American (24 attrib. Americans; 6 attrib. non-Americans, 1 traced).
6 Core Repertory.
S10635 (MWA). CtHC (b.w. Jenks, The Delights of Harmony, 1805, 112 p.), CtHT-W (music inc.), CtY (2), MWA*, RPB (2; 1 inc. & b.w. The Delights, 1805; small difference between indexes: inc. copy has JERUSALEM listed on p. 21; index in other copy lacks JERUSALEM).
THE MUSICAL HARMONIST, 1800
Jenks's The Musical Harmonist (1800) seems to have been designed to be added to No. 293, his The New-England Harmonist (1799). The first issue was paged [17]-40. Moreover, the music begins on p. 18, the verso of the title-page, leaving no room for the 'concise and easy rules of music' promised by the title-page. Therefore the 'rules' that Jenks had in mind must have been those already published at the front of The New-England Harmonist. David Warren Steel writes: 'The Musical Harmonist is paged [17]-40, while The New-England Harmonist is paged 1-24. The overlapping of page numbers may have been simply an oversight. On the other hand, it might reflect a chain of events such as the following. In early 1800 Jenks intended to enlarge The New-England Harmonist, so he had [Amos] Doolittle engrave four more plates of music, with page numbers 25 to 40. Soon, discovering that he had enough additional music on hand to make up a third sheet, he decided to issue the new music as a separate collection under a new title. At this point Jenks could have erased the tune on page 25 to make room for a title page [fn.: The tune on page 25 was EXHORTATION, by the engraver's brother, Eliakim Doolittle. This may partly explain Jenks's reluctance to alter this plate.], he could have renumbered all the pages already engraved, or he could have placed the music before page 25, thus spoiling the correspondence with The New-England Harmonist. If this hypothesis is correct, Jenks chose the third alternative, which left the title page as page [17]' (Steel 1982, p. 44-45).
ASMI 292
The Musical Harmonist: containing concise and easy rules of music together with a collection of the most approved psalm & hymn tunes, fitted to all the various metres most of which were never before published [.] By Stephen Jenks author of the New England Harmonist[.] Copy right secured [.] Engraved & printed for the author by Amos Doolittle, New Haven July 16 1800. [The whole encircled by a musical setting of the text beginning 'Welcome welcome every guest,' labeled at the top of the page:] Canon four in one.
[17]-40 p. 12.5 x 20.5 cm. Engraved throughout by Amos Doolittle.
P. [17], t-p.; p. 18-40, music.
35 compositions, incl. I anthem & 1 canon (on t-p.), for 4 voices (1 for 3); some w. full text, some incipits, some textless. Attribs. to Mr. Adams (4), Mr. Camp (2), Mr. Doolittle (4), Mr. Hibbard, Howd, Jenks (13), Mr. Newcomb (3), Peck, Mr. Weeks, Mr. Whitney, Wilcockson. 30 1st pr. identified (all except BETHEL, Canon, MORTALITY, PSALMS 89, 119). 133 American compositions, I non-American, I unidentified [PSALM 89] (32 attrib. Americans, I traced; 1 traced to non-American source [Canon]).
No Core Repertory.
Not in Evans (no copy on Readex). MWA*.
ASMI 292A
Laus Deo. The New-England Harmonist . . . (Copy-right secured.)
[2d t-p.] The Musical Harmonist . . . Engraved & printed for the author by Amos Doolittle, New Haven July 16 1800 . . . [encircled by canon].
8, [17]-40 p. p. [17]-40 engraved.
P. [1], t-p.; p. [2], 'Preface'; p. 3-8, 'General Directions For Learners'; p. [17], 2d t-p.; p. 18-40, music. Preface same as The New-England Harmonist, q.v. (No. 293). p. [17]-40 printed from same plates as main entry.
Music same as main entry.
Not in Evans (no copy on Readex). MWA*.
NOTE: This issue is simply The Musical Harmonist with the first 8 pages of The New-England Harmonist added at the beginning, probably to provide rudiments.
ASMI 292B
The Musical Harmonist . . . July 16 1800 . . . [encircled by canon].
[25]-48, 17-24 p. p. [25]-48 engraved.
Shadows of many original page numbers can still be seen, proving that the main entry preceded this one. p. [25], t-p.; p. 26-48, music; p. 17-19, 'A Musical Dictionary'; p. 20-21, 'Funeral Hymn'; p. 21-22, 'Elegy on the Death of Gen. George Washington. (Composed Mr. Phelps)'; p. 23, 'Hymn to Judgment' [material on p. 20-23 is all text, no music]; p. 24, 'Index' covering music on p. 26-48.1 p. [25]-48 printed from same plates as main entry, with pages renumbered.
Music same as main entry.
Not in Evans or Shaw-Shoemaker (no copy on Readex). NN* (b.w. Jenks, The New-England Harmonist).
NOTE: The NN copy of The Musical Harmonist is here described separately from The New-England Harmonist, with which it is bound, because this state differs from earlier published versions. The pages containing music are here renumbered, creating continuous pagination with The New-England Harmonist. The combination of the two works (48, 17-24 p., NN) is described below (No. 294).
THE NEW-ENGLAND HARMONIST, 1799-1800
The New-England Harmonist appeared first in 1799; in the summer of 1800 it became the first part of a two-part collection (with Jenks's The Musical Harmonist); later it was incorporated more fully into that combination, its front matter remaining at the head and its music, somewhat rearranged, moving to the rear. The music of both The New-England Harmonist and The Musical Harmonist was printed from engraved plates, and the various shufflings of content were achieved mostly through renumbering the pages rather than reengraving the music.
ASMI 293
Laus Deo. The New-England Harmonist: containing, concise and easy rules of music: together with a number of tunes adapted to public worship, most of which were never before published. By Stephen Jenks. Danbury: printed by Douglas & Nichols, for the author. (Copy-right secured.)
24 p. 12.5 x 20.5 cm. p. [9]-24 engraved; p. 24 signed by A[mos] Doolittle.
p. [9] has pasted over it manuscript music: 'Mount Vernon, Composed on the Death of Gen. G. Washington, By Jenks'. Original p. 9 is mostly obscured, but it appears to have contained engraved rudiments.
[1799.] Preface dated Ridgfield, 24 Sept. 1799. The work must have been printed between then and the time news of Washington's death reached Connecticut. Washington died in Mt. Vernon, 14 Dec. 1799. By Jan. 1800 dirges honoring his memory were appearing in considerable number (see Murray 1978, 1979). p. [1], t-p.; p. [2], 'Preface'; р. 3-8, 'General Directions For Learners'; p. [9; rudiments?]; p. 10-23, music; p. 24, 'Words to Genius by Mr. Phelps', 'Index,' colophon: 'New-Haven Engraved by A Doolittle.' 'Public utility induces the Editor to offer the following sheets to his fellow citizens; no pains has been spared to adorn the work with beauty, and make it eminently useful. [New par.] Music is a pleasing science, and when properly improved is equally beneficial to Society and individuals; as it has a tendency to reconcile discordant hearts and to unite them in the social bands of friendship. It qualifies us to take an active part in that delightful exercise which is the brightest ornament of Religious Worship; raises in the breast feelings the most noble, and it is our first resource in the trying hour of affliction. As saith the Poet,
"Music's the cordial of a troubled breast, / The softest remedy that grief can find; /The gentle spell that charms our cares to rest, / And fills with heavenly hope the pensive mind." Harris.' (Preface in full.)
20 compositions for 4 voices; some w. full text, some w. incipits only. Attribs. to Hickock, Jenks (16), Swan, Wilcockson. 1 18 1st pr. identified (all except DOVER, PSALM 145).120 American compositions (19attrib. Americans, 1 traced).
No Core Repertory.
E35667 (no copy on Readex). CtHC*.
ASMI 293A
Laus Deo . . . The New-England Harmonist . . . (Copy-right secured.)
24 p. p. 9-24 engraved.
[1799-1800.] Preface dated Ridgfield, 24 Sept. 1799. On p. 9 is now printed MOUNT VERNON by Jenks, 'Composed on the Death of Genl Washington.' Thus, this issue appeared after 14 Dec. 1799, most likely early in 1800. The index is the same as in the main entry; it does not list MOUNT VERNON. Contents same as main entry, except: p. 9-23, music.
p. 10-24 printed from same plates as main entry.
21 compositions for 4 voices; some w. full text, some w. incipits only. Attribs. to Hickock, Jenks (17), Swan, Wilcockson.1 1st pr. identified (MOUNT VERNON). 1 21 American compositions (20 attrib. Americans, I traced). No Core Repertory.
Not in Evans (no copy on Readex). CLU, NN* (b.w. Jenks, The Musical Harmonist).
NOTE: The NN copy of The New-England Harmonist is here described separately from The Musical Harmonist, with which it is bound, because this state differs from the earlier published version. The combination of the two works (48, 17-24 p., NN) is described below (No. 294).
PREFATORY NOTE: Steel 1982, suggests that the following issue 'may represent a transitional stage in the development of The Musical Harmonist-that is, in the joining together of that work with Jenks's The New-England Harmonist. Steel writes: 'The 24 pages of Jenks's first collection are followed by pages 25-32 of The Musical Harmonist. This is followed by the unpaginated music for pages 33, 36 and 37, interspersed with blank staves corresponding to pages 34, 35 and 38. (The leaf which would contain pages 39 and 40 is lacking.) There is no trace of a title-page, or of the music on pages 18-24 of The Musical Harmonisť (p. 45n.). Steel believes that 'because the reverse of the final sheet contains only blank staves,' the copy 'does not represent the complete state of any publication' (p. 45n.). In his bibliography of Jenks's publications he describes this as a 'fragmentary issue' (p. 154-55).
ASMI 293B
[Laus Deo. The New England Harmonist... (Copy-right secured.)]
3-32, [6] p. Engraved throughout.
[1800?] This copy, the only one of its kind, followed Washington's death. According to Steel 1982, it 'probably represents proofs or other sheets worked off before the "publication" of The Musical Harmonisť (p. 154-55). It is unlikely that the pages from The Musical Harmonist were printed after 16 July 1800, the date of its issue, because they lack page numbers. The tabulation of the music below does not claim any of the pieces from The Musical Harmonist as 1st pr. p. 3-8, 'General Directions For Learners'; p. 9-23, music; p. 24, 'Words to Genius by Mr. Phelps', 'Index,' & colophon; p. 25-[33], music; p. [34] [35] blank staves; p. [36]-[37], music; p. [38] blank staves. p. 3-24 printed from same plates as main entry; p. 25-32 printed from same plates as corresponding pages of The Musical Harmonist (No. 292); p. [33], [36-37] printed from same plates, respectively, as p. 23, 18-19 of The Musical Harmonist (No. 292), without page numbers.
39 compositions, incl. 1 anthem, for 4 voices, some w. full text, some w. incipits, some textless. Attribs. to Mr. Adams (4), Mr. Camp (2), Mr. Doolittle, Hickock, Jenks (23), Mr. Newcomb, Mr. Peck, Swan, Mr. Weeks, Mr. Wilcockson (2). No 1st pr. identified. 139 American compositions (37 attrib. Americans, 2 traced).
No Core Repertory.
Not in Evans (no copy on Readex). ICN (lacks t-p.; blank staves bound in at end after p. [38]).
THE NEW-ENGLAND HARMONIST & THE MUSICAL HARMONIST, 1800-3?
ASMI 294
Laus Deo. The New-England Harmonist: containing, concise and easy rules of music: together with a number of tunes adapted to public worship, most of which were never before published. By Stephen Jenks. Danbury: printed by Douglas & Nichols, for the author. (Copy-right secured.)
[2d t-p.] The Musical Harmonist: containing concise and easy rules of music together with a collection of the most approved psalm & hymn tunes, fitted to all the various metres most of which were never before published [.] By Stephen Jenks author of the New England Harmonist[.] Copy right secured [.] Engraved & printed for the author by Amos Doolittle, New Haven July 16 1800 [The whole encircled by a musical setting of the text beginning 'Welcome welcome every guest,' labeled at the top of the page:] Canon four in one.
48, 17-24 p. 12.5 x 20.5 cm. 1 p. 9-48 engraved.
Preface dated Ridgfield, 24 Sept. 1799; 2d t-p. dated 16 July 1800. The two works were obviously combined in 1800 or later. p. [1], t-p.; p. [2], 'Preface'; p. 3-8, 'General Directions For Learners'; p. 9-23, music; p. 24, 'Words to Genius by Mr. Phelps,' 'Index,' & engraver's colophon; p. [25], 2d t-p.; p. [26]-48, music; p. 17-19, 'A Musical Dictionary'; p. 20-21, 'Funeral Hymn'; p. 21-22, 'Elegy on the Death of Gen. George Washington. (Composed Mr. Phelps)'; p. 23, 'Hymn to Judgment'; p. 24, 'Index' covering music on p. 26-48. p. 9-24 printed from same plates as The New-England Harmonist, No. 293A; p. [25]-48 printed from same plates as The Musical Harmonist, No. 292B.
56 compositions, incl. 1 anthem & t-p. canon, for 4 voices; some w. full text, some w. incipits, some textless. Attribs. to Mr. Adams (4), Mr. Camp (2), Mr. Doolittle (4), Mr. Hibbard, Hickock, Howd, Jenks (30), Mr. Newcomb (3), Peck, Swan, Mr. Weeks, Mr. Whitney, Wilcockson (2). No 1st pr. identified. 54 American compositions, I non-American, I unidentified [PSALM 89] (52 attrib. Americans, 2 traced; 1 traced to non-American source, [Canon]).
No Core Repertory.
Not in Evans or Shaw-Shoemaker (no copy on Readex). NN*.
ASMI 294A
Laus Deo. The New-England Harmonist....
[2d t-p.] The Musical Harmonist July 16 1800.
8, 17-24, [2], [25]-64 p. p. [25]-64 engraved. p. 9-16 missing from pagina-tion; p. 24 repeated.
[1803?] The Musical Harmonist is advertised in the Danbury, Connecticut, Political Barometer, 12 April 1803, as 'just received; and for sale at this Office, price 56 cents.' Steel 1982, p. 47, suggests the notice may refer to this issue, whose preface is nevertheless still dated Ridgfield, 24 Sept. 1799 and whose 2d t-p. is dated 16 July 1800.1 p. [1], t-p.; p. [2], 'Preface'; p. 3-8, 'General Directions For Learners'; p. 17-19, 'A Musical Dictionary'; p. 20-21, 'Funeral Hymn. (On the Death of a Wife)'; p. 21-22, 'An Elegy, On the Death of Gen. George Washington. Composed Mr. Phelps.)'; p. 23, 'Hymn to Judgment'; p. 24, 'Index' covering music on p. 25-48; p. 24, 'Index' covering music on p. 26-63; verso of p. 24 blank; p. [25], 2d t-p.; p. 26-63, music; p. 64, 'Words to Genius by Mr. Phelps,' engraver's colophon, 'Index' covering p. 10-23, crossed out by engraver. p. 25-48 printed from same plates as The Musical Harmonist (No. 292в); р. 49-57, 60-61, 64 printed from plates earlier used in The New-England Harmonist (No. 2934), as follows: p. 49 was p. 9, 50-51 was 18-19, 52-53 was 12-13, 54-55 was 22-23, 56-57 was 16-17, 60-61 was 20-21.
58 compositions, incl. I anthem & 1 canon, for 4 voices; some w. full text, some w. incipits, some textless. Attribs. to Mr. Adams (6), Mr. Camp (2), Mr. Doolittle (5), Mr. Goff, Mr. Handel, Mr. Hibbard, Mr. Hickock, Mr. Howd, Jenks (24), Mr. Luther, Mr. Milgrove, Mr. Newcomb (3), Mr. Peck, Mr. Swan, Mr. Weeks, Mr. Whitney, Mr. Wilcoxson (2).13 1st pr. identified (CAMBRIDGE, FAIRFAX, ST. JOHNS). 152 American compositions, 5 non-American, 1 unidentified [PSALM 89] (50 attrib. Americans, 2 traced; 3 attrib. non-Americans, 2 traced [Canon & MEAR]).
4 Core Repertory.
E37707 (CtY). CtY*
THE ROYAL HARMONY OF ZION, 1810
ASMI 295
The Royal Harmony of Zion Complete. Containing a concise introduction to the ground of music; with a choice collection of psalm tunes; calculated to express each metre in common use, distinctly and emphatically. Collected from the most approved European and American authors. Designed particularly for singing schools in the United States. By S. Jenks. Dedham: printed by H. Mann, for the author.-February 1810.
40 p. 12 x 20.5 cm.
Preface dated Plainfield, Conn., Feb. 1810. Copyright granted, 5 Feb. 1810, District of Massachusetts, to Stephen Jenks as author. p. [i], t-p.; p. [ii], copyright notice; p. [iii], 'Preface'; p. iv-7, 'Rules Of Psalmody'; p. [8], 'Index'; p. [9]-40, music. Preface same as in Jenks & Griswold The American Compiler, 1803 (No. 296).
43 compositions, incl. 1 anthem, for 3 & 4 voices; full text. Attribs. to Austin, Billings, A. Bull, N. Gillet, G. F. Handel, L. Hart, Holden, Janes, Jenks (17), M. Luther, Dr. Madan (2), Newcomb, Reed (2), Shrubsole, I. Smith, Swan (2), Williams (2), Wood. 16 1st pr. identified (Anthem, ARKLOW, BABEL'S STREAMS, BRIMFIELD, BROOKLYNE, CHRISTIAN LOVE, COMPLAINT, DEERFIELD, ELEGIAC AIR, INTERCESSION, MORNING SONG, NEW LONDON, PRESTON, RANSOM, RESIGNATION, SWEET REST), also I ist Am. pr. (STERLING). 30 American compositions, 12 non-American, 1 unidentified [STERLING] (30attrib. Americans; 8 attrib. non-Americans, 4 traced).
3 Core Repertory.
S20448 (no copy on Readex). CtY*, ICN (lacks all after p. 32).
THE AMERICAN COMPILER OF SACRED HARMONY, 1803
ASMI 296
The American Compiler of Sacred Harmony. No. 1. Containing, the rules of psalmody, together with a collection of sacred music. Designed for the use of worshipping assemblies and singing societies. By Stephen Jenks and Elijah Griswold. Copy right secured, according to act of Congress. Printed, typographically, at Northampton, Massachusetts. For the com-pilers, sold by said Jenks, Poundridge, N. York; by said Griswold, Simsbury, Con. by T. Rockwell & Co. Salem, N.Y. by Mitchel & Buell, Poughkeepsie; by T. Lee & Co. New-Hartford; by E. Babkock, O. D. Cooke, Hartford; by Dr. J. Steele, Ellington; by S. Nichols & Co. Danbury; C. Collier, Litchfield; and by the principal booksellers in this part of the country. -Oct. 1803.
63, [1] p. 13 x 22 cm.
Note on p. [64] dated Northampton, 13 Oct., 1803. p. [1], t-p.; p. [2], 'Preface'; p. [3]-10, 'Introduction to Psalmody'; p. [11]-63, music; p. [64], 'Index,' 'Errata,' & note from authors. 'N.B. That the two thousand books which are printed at Northampton for Elijah Griswold and Stephen Jenks, are this day divided: Each one takes his own books and disposes of them as best suits: with the Copy-Right of each others music until the abovementioned books are all sold: And all partnership between said Griswold and Jenks are this day dissolved by mutual consent. [Signed] Elijah Griswold. Stephen Jenks.' (Note on p. [64] in full.)
55 compositions, incl. 1 anthem & 1 canon, for 4 voices (1 for 3); full text (2 w. partial text). Attribs. to Bull (4), Doolittle, Fisher, Griswold (3), Holden (2), Howd, Ingalls, Jenks (17), Kilbourn, Knap, Rev. C. Lee (3), T. Lee (3), M. Luther, Dr. Madan (2), Morgan (2), Newcomb, Norton, Porter, Rollo, J. Smith, Taylor, Rev. H. Weeks, Dr. Wetmore. 125 1st pr. claimed; 30 identified (BEDFORD, MOUNT CAVALRY, ORANGE, REDEMPTION, TRIUMPH are also 1st pr.), also 1 1st Am. pr. (DESIRE). 149 American compositions, 5 non-American, I unidentified [DESIRE] (48 attrib. Americans, I traced; 3 attrib. non-Amer-icans, 2 traced [MEAR, PORTSMOUTH]).
6 Core Repertory.
S4449 (MNF). CtHC, CtHi (2; 1 b. w. Bull, The Responsary, 1795, & Huntington, The Albany Collection, 1800), CtHT-W, CtY, ICN, MNF, MWA*, MiU-C (music inc.), NBuG, NNUT, NJPT.
NOTE: The designation 'No. 1' on the title-page seems to promise more issues in the same series. None appeared.
The Hive, 27 Dec. 1803, a Northampton newspaper, carried an advertisement that Andrew Wright had this work 'for sale at his printing office.' Since he was the only music printer known to have been active in Northampton at the time, Wright was probably the printer.
ASMI pp. 352-366