BEAUTIES OF PSALMODY, 1786

This work, claimed on the title-page by 'a member of the musical society of Yale College,' is attributed by all authorities to Chauncey Langdon. (See, for example, Dexter 1907, vol. 6, p. 557.) The New Haven Connecticut Journal, 15 November 1786, advertises the work as available through three sellers, including 'Mr. Chauncy Langdon, Member of the Musical Society of College.'

ASMI 313 

Beauties of Psalmody. Containing concisely the rules of singing with a collection of the most approved psalm-tunes and anthems by a member of the Musical Society of Yale College.

"These ever new nor subject to decay /'Spread and grow brighter with the length of day.

1 p.l., 56 p. 19 x 23.5 cm. p.l., p. 9-56 engraved [probably by Amos Doolittle]. See note above, under Doolittle. Doolittle is named as a seller in New Haven Chronicle, 18 April 1786, and Connecticut Journal, 15 Nov. 1786.

[1786.] New Haven Gazette, 30 March 1786, advertising supplement, announces the work as just published. p.l. recto, t-p.; verso blank. p. [1], 'Preface'; p. [1]-2, 'General Observations'; p. [3]-[7], rudiments of music (page numbers cropped); p. [8], 'Index'; p. 9-56, music. 'The Editor supposing it could be no Honour to him to make a Publication of Music not his own, or if any, it was only in being able to distinguish between good Music and bad, thought not proper to subscribe his Name, but to give all Authors Credit for their Music whose Names were known, that the Honour might be given to whom it is due. His chief Design was to furnish the Musical Society of College [Yale] not only with the Rules and Ground Work of Music, but with a useful Collection of Psalm-Tunes and Anthems, which were the most approved, and the best adapted to Public and Private Worship, at a very Cheap Rate.' (Preface in full.) 'Words in general ought to be pronouonced [sic] as Grammarians pronounce them in common Conversation, and so distinctly articulated, that whatever is sung may be perfectly understood. This adds a superior Beauty to the Music,; but as I suppose that every Instructor is a Grammarian, I shall not give Rules for Pronunciation. It ought likewise to be the Care of every Performer to behave with Decency and Solemnity, especially when singing sacred Words, and to avoid as much as possible all aukward Gestures, such as looking about, whispering, standing or sitting not erect, having their Faces distorted with Wrinkles, their Eyes strained, and their Mouths open too wide: all which frequently disgust Spectators.' (Extract from General Observations.)

          27 compositions, incl. 2 anthems & 1 set-piece, for 4 voices; full text. Attribs. to Benham, Billings (5), Brownson (2), Carpenter (2), Chandler, Edson (3), Reed (2), Swan (3).13 1st pr. identified (Anthem: Sing o daughter; JUSTICE, PSALM 145), also 1 1st Am. pr. (PSALM 89). 123 American compositions, 2 non-American, 2 unidentified [PITTSFIELD, PSALM 89] (19 attrib. Americans, 4 traced; 2 traced to non-Americans [PLYMOUTH, WANTAGE]). 

14 Core Repertory. 

          E19749 (MWA) MWA*.

ASMI pp. 386-387.