An Introduction to The Art of Singing Psalm-Tunes, 3d ed., 1723

ASMI 491 

An Introduction to the Art of Singing Psalm-Tunes, in the most plain and easy method ever yet made known. Or, A Collection of the Best Psalm-Tunes in two parts, fitted to the meanest capacity. First contrived by the Reverend Mr. Tufts. The third edition. With an addition of the basses of the tunes printed from a copper plate correctly engraven. Boston: printed by T. Fleet, for Samuel Gerrish, near the Brick Meeting-House in Cornhill. 1723.

1 p.l., 11, [3] p., 8 numbered 1., pr. on alternate facing versos & rectos. 14 x 8 cm.

L. 1-8 engraved. Music printed from letter notation.

Boston News-Letter, 15-22 March 1723, advertises: 'This Day will be Published . . . a Second Sheet of Psalm Tunes in two Parts Neatly engraven on Copper, in the easy Method of Mr. Tufts's Singing book, and intended for an Addition to the Tunes in that Book, in which is contained all such common Tunes as were omitted in the first Sheet.p.l. recto, t-p.; verso blank; p. 1-5, 'The Publisher's Preface'; p. [6], 'An Hymn On the Divine Use of Music'; p. 7-11, 'Directions For Singing The Tunes which follow'; p. [12]-[13], 'A Table of the T[unes]'; p. [14] blank; 1. 1, rudiments; 1. 1-8, music. There has been of late a wonderful, and laudable Inclination in multitudes of People, both Old and Young, to learn to Sing according to the Rules of Music; and the Reformation that has been already made, begins to be visible in many Congregations, both in this Town, and in many Towns in the Country. [New par.] It is plain that the following easy Method of singing the Psalm-Tunes, has been greatly Instrumental of promoting this good Work; it has answer'd its End far beyond what was at first expected. I perswade myself that the Tunes in this Book being now printed from a Copper Plate correctly engraven, and in so fair a Character, will be far more agreeable than the former Editions, where the Notes stood at such a Distance, as render'd it unpleasant to the Eye, and more difficult to Learners. [New par.] There are two sorts of Singing, One common and usual, viz. When all the Company Sing in Unison, or the same Tune; the Other, When they Sing in Parts, each Part singing a distinct Tune, yet so composed in Concordance or Agreement, that being sung together, they yield a most delightful Harmony, most befitting grave and solemn Matters. In order to promote this most delightful harmonious Way of Singing in our Congregations, the Basses of the Psalm-Tunes are added in this Edition, being what has been most earnestly desired by many, and I hope will be acceptable to all, who covet the best Gifts, and are desirous that God may be praised by us in this sweet and excellent Part of Divine Worship, in the best manner that we can attain unto. [New par.] One great Beauty in singing is, when the Tune is set in such a Key, that the highest Notes in the Treble may be sung without squeaking, or straining ones Voice, and the lowest Notes of the Bass nobly move with a full Sound, and without grumbling. [New par.] Next to the right setting a Tune, is good leading, which has been sufficiently proved to be of excellent Service to prevent uncomfortable Jars and Discord in Singing, and tends to help against falling from the proper Key, which is almost natural in Congregations. [New par.] Here let me say, that 'tis my humble Opinion, that great Regard ought to be had in the Choice or Appointment of Persons to this Service, that they be such as are skilful, that they may with a becoming Courage lead their Brethren in singing the Songs of the Lord. [New par.] I wish that all who have learnt and are learning to sing, would be strictly careful to sing the Tunes true. That which makes me mention this, is, the Observation I have made of several Errors which have already crept into those Tunes which have been lately introduced into Congregations, as well as in some others that have been more commonly sung. 'Tis great pity but we should carefully strive against such Errors before they come to be deeply rooted. It must be evident to all, that every one of these Errors have been brought in by such as pretend to know more about Singing than their Neighbours. Another thing which hurts our Singing is, when People let out their Voice to that degree that they make those about them almost deaf with their unpleasant Screaming: This is certainly a violation of the Rules of good Manners, and savours too much of Affectation. [New par.] What a [vast?] Addition would it be to the Pleasure of Singing, if we had more Female Voices assisting in that Holy Exercise, and the sweet and sprightly Voices of our Children. Women have certainly greater Advantages to attain the Skill of Singing than Men. They have generally good Voices, and more Leisure than Men have; and their Obligations to Praise God are as full, and binding. And as to our Children, how affecting the Sight, how vast and charming the Pleasure to have them sweetly joining with us in our Family-Worship, as well as in the Publick Assemblies, in singing forth the Praises of their Great Creator! and this even by some almost as soon as they can speak plain, and begin to read. O that this time for the singing of Birds were come!' (Extract from Publisher's Preface.)

          34 compositions for 2 voices; textless. No attribs. 1 1st pr. identified (PSALM 100 NEW), also 8 1st Am. pr. (BRUNSWICK, EXETER, MANCHESTER, NORWICH, PSALMS 18, 137, SABBATH HYMN, STANDISH). 2 American compositions (PSALM 100 NEW, SOUTHWELL NEW), 32 traced to non-Americans. 

11 Core Repertory (1st pr. PSALM 100 NEW; Ist Am. pr. STANDISH).

          E32488 (no copy on Readex). PPiPT* (p. [13] mutilated in only copy located.)

NOTE: Efforts to trace PSALM 100 NEW to a non-American source have been unsuccessful, leading to the conclusion that it was composed in the colonies.