THE MUSICAL MEDLEY, 1808

ASMI 402 

The Musical Medley. Containing the necessary rules of psalmody, in a very concise and explicit manner: together with a number of set pieces, and a great variety of psalm tunes, adapted to all the different metres usually sung in churches. The whole expressly calculated for the use of singing schools and musical societies. By Daniel L. Peck, Musico Theorico. Printed, typographically, at the music-press of H. Mann, Dedham, for the author. -1808.

103, [1] p. 13 x 22 cm.

Copyright granted, 10 Oct. 1808, District of Connecticut, to Peck as author. Preface dated Bridgeport, (Conn.) Nov. 1808. p. [i], t-p.; p. [ii], copyright notice; p. [iii], 'Preface'; p. [iv], 'Index'; p. [v]-viii, 'Introduction'; p. ix, 'Observations'; p. x, 'Musical Dictionary'; p. [11]-103, music; p. 103, 'Errata'; p. [104], 'Index.' 'The Public are here presented with a Publication entirely original; [fn. "Judgment Anthem" the only exception.] but as the novelty of a thing does not always recommend it, the Compiler relies but little upon it; he depends for success, principally or rather altogether, upon the merit of the work itself, which he flatters himself will not disappoint the expectations of the purchaser. Should he however be mistaken, the consequence will be (considering the expence of a publication of this kind) a very material injury to himself; yet, notwithstanding he feels a degree of confidence in the success of his work, he still considers it attended with some risque, and is sensible he may be disappointed.... [New par.] . . . Should imperfections be fonnd [sic], he will consider himself under peculiar obligations to any, who will point them out in a candid way.' (Extract from Preface.)

          72 compositions, incl. I anthem & 5 set-pieces, for 3 & 4 voices; full text. Attribs. to Bridgewater Coll., J. W. Callcott, A. Ellis (2), W. Janes (11), Dr. Madan, Morgan, L. Peck (13), Z. Peck (4), Pleyel, D. Read, O. Shaw (6), P. Sherman (18), S. Temple (2), Dr. Wetmore, G. Wheeler (4). 147 1st pr. identified (13 attrib. L. Peck, all attrib. P. Sherman, S. Temple, G. Wheeler; also CONCERT, CONVICTION, DEDICATORY POEM, FLORA, FRAILTY, FUNERAL HYMN, HARPERSFIELD, MEDWAY, MORNING, PROVIDENCE), also 5 poss. 1st pr. (COMPLAINT, FLORIDA, ST. ALBAN'S, WARE BRIDGE, WEYBOSSET ST.), 4 1st Am. pr. (DELIVERANCE, FLOWERY BOUGHS, SOLEMN THOUGHT, ZION). 62 American compositions, 4 non-American, 6 unidentified [DELIVERANCE, FLOWERY BOUGHS, GANGES, MOUNT OLIVE, SOLEMN THOUGHT, ZION] (64 attrib. Americans or American sources, I wrongly [HALLELUJAH is non-American, also original source of GANGES not found]; 3 attrib. non-Americans, 1 traced [HALLELUJAH]). 

12 Core Repertory.

          S15859 (MWA). CCC, MWA, NBuG (lacks all after p. 98).

NOTE: The work has two tune indexes, one on p. [iv] covering only through p. 72, and another on p. [104] covering the entire volume. The preface claims that the music, except for one piece, is 'entirely original,' a statement pertaining to the first 72 pages but not the rest. These facts suggest either: 1) that the work first appeared as a 72-page book, and that the copy described here is not the first issue; or, 2) that it was planned as a 72-page book, but after printing had begun, the final 32 pages were added. No copy of a 72-page edition has been found.