THE PSALMODIST'S BEST COMPANION, 1799

ASMI 384 

The Psalmodist's Best Companion, being an extract of many approved authors: containing a brief introduction to the grounds of music, with a collection of psalm tunes and anthems which are suitable for divine worship, with a number never before published.

Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregtion of saints. Psalms &c.

By David Merrill, Philo Musica. Exeter, Newhampshire. Printed, typographically, by Henry Ranlet for the author, 1799- Where music, of all kinds, books, blanks and handbills are printed on low terms for cash.

71, [1] p. 13.5 x 21.5 cm.

Preface dated Exeter, 24 July 1799.1 p. [1], t-p.; p. [2], 'Preface'; p. [3]-7, 'Scale of Music or Gamut'; p. [8]-71, music; p. [72], 'Index. "The advantages for studying the principles of Harmony are so extensively limited that it cannot be expected that any Book whatever can be thoroughly criticised and permanently agreed to by all perusers. But I have endeavored as far as possible to fit a book suitable for the new beginner, and to assist the more [New par. ] . . .  Several years accomplished singer in performing with ease and accuracy. study and practice in vocal Music has at last brought me to a determination to publish this smal Book, consisting of Tunes and Anthems of an approved quality, in which I have endeavored to insert nothing but what is profitable to learn, so that a singing society may learn the whole book and have no unprofitable pages in it.' (Extract from Preface.)

          41 compositions, incl. 1 anthem & 5 set-pieces, for 4 voices; full text. Attribs, to Belknap, Billings (3), Chandler, Fasset, Holyoke, Ingalls, Kimball (3), Madan, Merrill (6), Reed (2), Smith (2) [American], Temple & M[errill] (2), Williams. 11 1st pr. claimed; 9 identified (FRIENDSHIP & REPENTANCE not ist pr.). 38 American compositions, 3 non-American (23 attrib. Americans, 15 traced; 2 attrib. non-Americans, 1 traced [TRURO]). 

10 Core Repertory.

          E48037 (no copy on Readex). MHi, MiU-C*, NhHi, RPB.

ASMI pp. 462-463.