THE COLUMBIAN SACRED MINSTREL, 1809: ASMI 233

The Columbian Sacred Minstrel. Containing an introduction to psalmody, and a set of tunes suited to the various metres sung in the different churches in the United States. -Likewise-several anthems, odes and set pieces. Designed for the use of worshiping assemblies and singing societies. Being an original composition of airs, consisting of three,four, five and six parts. By Joel Harmon, Jun. Printed at Northampton (Ms.) for the author. A. Wright, printer Dec. 1809.

1 p.l., 79, [1] p. 13 x 21 cm.

Preface dated Pawlet, Vermont, Dec. 1809. Copyright granted, 4 Nov. 1809, District of Vermont, to Joel Harmon, Jr., as author. p.l. recto, copyright notice, 'Errata'; verso blank; p. [i], t-p.; p. [ii], 'Preface'; p. [iii]-xvi, 'Introduction to Psalmody'; p. xvi, 'A Dictionary of Musical Terms'; p. 17-79, music; p. [80], 'Index.' 'Having been frequently solicited by those who are in the practice of music, to publish my compositions for the benefit of those who have entered, or those who may hereafter enter upon this delightful and sublime Art, I have therefore been induced to offer the public the following work. [New par.] It cannot be expected that a composition of this nature, (especially in a country where the advantages for studying music are so limited,) can stand the test of a rigid criticism: therefore, it is hoped that candid allowances will be made in the perusal of the following work, which is most respectfully submitted to the public eye. [New par.] It is hoped that none will be disappointed that fuging music is in general omitted. It is with pleasure, that the author discovers that that kind of music is generally disapproved of, by almost every person of correct taste. The confusion introduced by the parts falling in, one after the other; each, at the same time, conveying a separate idea, renders the performance a perfect jargon of words. [New par.] The author returns his most respectful thanks to Subscribers, for their encouragement of the work.' (Extract from Preface.) 

       53 compositions, incl. 2 anthems & 3 set-pieces, for 3 & 4 voices (1 for 5, 1 for 6); full text. T-p. attribs. all to Harmon. 52 1st pr. identified (SOLITUDE pr. in Hill, The Vermont Harmony, 1801). All are American. ↑ No Core Repertory.

       S17707 (MWA). CCC, CtY, DLC (biog. sketch of Harmon written in), ICN, MHi, MWA, MIU-C, MOKU, NBuG (lacks p.l.), NHi, NN*, NcWsM, RPB, TxWaB.

NOTE: The Preface borrows the words of Samuel Holyoke in Harmonia Americana (Boston, 1791), q.v. (No. 261)