THE MUSICAL PRACTITIONER, 1797

ASMI 385 

The Musical Practitioner, or American Psalmody, in two parts. Containing, I. A number of psalm, hymn tunes, and anthems. II. A number of the most modern and celebrated American and English songs. The whole entirely new. Composed by Richard Merrill, of Hopkinton, (N.H.) Printed typographically at Newburyport, by William Barrett, Market Square, Jan. 1797. Sold by the author, in Hopkinton, and at Barrett's bookstore, Market Square, and by many other booksellers.

2 p.l., 50+ p. 13 x 22 cm. On p. no. 38 the 3 is not struck.

Preface dated Hopkinton, Nov. 1796. 1st p.l. recto, t-p.; verso, 'Advertisement'; 2d p.l. recto, 'Preface' & poem, 'The Power of Music'; verso, glossary, index; p. [1]-50, music. 'Perhaps it may be expected by some, that I should say something concerning Rules for Composition, to which I answer, that Nature is the best dictator; Nature must lay the foundation, Nature must inspire the thought. Though in some sorts of composition dry study is required, and art very requisite.' (Extract from Advertisement.) 'Notwithstanding this composition has cost me much time and pains, still I little thought of exposing it to the Public; But being importuned by my friends, I determined to commit it to the Press... [New par.]... I now offer it to the Public, under a humble persuasion that it will be an inducement to the unskilled in Music to prosecute the study of it, and an entertainment to those that are more experienced in it.' (Extract from Preface.)

          41 compositions, incl. 2 anthems & 3 set-pieces, for 3 & 4 voices (1 for 2); most w. full text, a few textless or w. partial text. T-p. attribs. all to Merrill. 41 1st pr. identified. All are American.

 No Core Repertory.

          E32468 (no copy on Readex). missing). NhHi* (lacks all after p. 50; last part of last piece

NOTE: The Advertisement and Preface borrow the words of William Billings in The New-England Psalm-Singer (Boston, 1770), q.v. (No. 106).

ASMI pp. 464-465.