In 17th century New England, congregational singing had deteriorated dear to reliance on oral transmission. The introduction of notation in the 1698 Bay Psalm Book represents a critical cultural shift: the restoration of musical accuracy through literacy.
“The ninth edition of the Bay Psalm Book (1698), contained the first music printed in the Colonies. The thirteen printed tunes are in two-part harmony; the noteheads resemble diamonds; each tune is paired with a Psalm. Throughout the 1700s, these tunes were sung in churches, where the Deacon or other leader would give a key (no pitchpipe allowed). Few people at this time could read music, much less sing accurately in parts. The resulting sound was a ‘drawling, quavering discord’ according to Founding Father John Adams. I hope that my two-track recordings are slightly better than that!”