THE EVANGELICAL PSALMODIST, 1802

ASMI 401 

The Evangelical Psalmodist: an original work; consisting of plain tunes, fuges and set pieces, in three and four parts; suitable for schools and singing societies. By Warwick Palfray. Printed at Salem, by Joshua Cushing, for the author. 1802. (Published according to act of Congress.) 

55. [1] p. 13 x 22 cm.

Copyright granted, 10 Dec. 1802, District of Massachusetts, to Palfray as author (Mass. 1:146-47). Salem Register, 20 Dec. 1802, advertises work for sale. p. [1], t-p.; p. [ii], introductory note "To the Public'; p. [iii]-viii, 'A Concise Introduction to the Art of Singing'; p. [9]-55, music; p. [56], 'Index' & errata. "The Author of the following musical Compo sitions was led to the study of music more from inclination, than education. But having been often called to instruct in schools, and with some success, he was induced to add parts, and to correct such compositions as fell into his hands, in order to accommodate them to his own instructions. Being obliged to use measures not ordinarily found in psalm books, he ventured upon original composition; and, having given satisfaction, at the request of his friends he has ventured to offer the following compositions to the Public. He hopes they will prove as acceptabble from the press, as they have been to his friends in the performance, and humbly submits them to the public judgment.' (Introductory note in full.) 42 compositions, incl. 1 anthem & 1 set-piece, for 3 & 4 voices; full text. T-p. & introductory note attrib. all to Palfray. 41 1st pr. identified (ELEGY pr. in Stone & Wood, The Columbian Harmony [1793], attrib. to Wood). All are American. 

No Core Repertory. 

          S2843 (MB). CtY, DLC, MB, MH, MSaE, NN.

NOTE: William Bentley, pastor of the East Church in Salem, wrote on 26 Oct. 1802: '[Mr. Palfray] is about to published [sic] his music to which I wrote a short preface.' (Bentley 1905, II, p. 455)

ASMI p. 483