JAMES NEWHALL
James Newhall (b. Massachusetts [prob. Lancaster or Sterling), ca. 1778; d. Lancaster, 6 Sept. 1820) was a singing master who seems to have been unusually peripatetic; his first five children were born in five different central and northern Massachusetts towns over a six- or seven-year period. In 1803-4 he was in Bernardston, Massachusetts. His second publication of sacred music was prepared for the musical society there.
Bio-bib. Also Nourse 1890, p. 124, 186, 360; Tapley 1968, p. 10, 12.
See No. 470.
THE VOCAL HARMONY, 1803
ASMI 399
The Vocal Harmony. Containing, the rudiments of vocal music, in a concise manner, and a number of original airs, suitable for divine worship. By James Newhall, Philo Musico. Copy-right secured according to act of Congress. Printed, (typographically,) at Northampton, by Andrew Wright. For the author. 1803.
24 p. 113 x 22 cm.
Preface dated Bernardston, Mass., 4 Oct. 1803. p. [1], t-p.; p. [2], 'Preface'; p. [3]-5, 'Rudiments of Vocal Music'; p. [6]-24, music; p. 24, 'Index. "The Author of the following pages issued, not long since, subscription papers, proposing the publishing a Collection of Vocal Music wholly original, upon a larger scale than this; but finding it inconvenient to obtain original music enough for the proposed collection in the part of the country in which he now resides, prompted by his friends, the friends of music, he has published the following pages, and if the perusal of them give lovers of music any pleasure, he will enjoy a pleasing satisfaction. He has aimed to furnish musical societies with the rudiments of vocal music and a number of airs adapted to the capacities of youth, and also suitable for Divine Worship. N.B. Critics in music are requested to behold errors in this work with an eye of candor, considering that imperfections in the works of a tyro are not phenomena." (Preface in full.)
23 compositions, incl. 2 set-pieces & 1 canon, for 3 & 4 voices; full text. T-p. & preface attrib. all to Newhall. All identified as 1st pr. All are American.
No Core Repertory.
S4763 (MB). MB.
ASMI p. 476-477.