THE WORCESTER COLLECTION, 1786-94
The Worcester Collection appeared in eight different numbered editions between 1786 and 1803. No compiler is named for the first five. However, all begin with prefaces signed by Isaiah Thomas, the publisher. In some editions, Thomas refers to himself as 'the editor,' notwithstanding his admission in the first edition that he was 'unskilled in musick.' It is likely that Elias Mann, and also perhaps Abraham Wood and Joseph Stone-all of whom lived in the area of Worcester at the time and contributed original music to The Worcester Collection helped Thomas with the first two editions. The title-pages of the last three editions name Oliver Holden as compiler, and they are listed under his name here. A detailed treatment of The Worcester Collection and its context is found in Kroeger 1976a.
The Worcester Collection, [1st ed.], 1786
ASMI 533
Laus Deo! The Worcester Collection of Sacred Harmony. In three parts. Containing, I. An introduction to the grounds of musick: or, rules for learners. II. A large number of celebrated psalm and hymn tunes, from the most approved ancient and modern authors; together with several new ones, never before published: the whole suited to all metres, usually sung in churches. III. Select anthems, fughes, and favourites pieces of musick, with an additional number of psalm and hymn tunes. The whole compiled for the use of schools, and singing societies. And recommended by many approved teachers of psalmody.
Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God. Psalm CXLVII.
Printed, typographically, at Worcester, Massachusetts, by Isaiah Thomas, and sold at his book-store. Sold also by the booksellers in town and country. MDCCLXXXVI.
2 p.l., 104 p. 113.5 x 23 cm.
Advertisement dated Worcester, Jan. 1786. Worcester Massachusetts Spy, 19 Jan. 1786, announces 'a few copies of the first and second Parts are this day published.' 1st p.l. recto, t-p.; verso, 'Advertisement'; 2d 1. recto, dedication; verso, 'Preface'; p. 1-15, 'Part I. An Introduction to the Grounds of Musick; and Rules for Learners'; p. 16-103, 'Part II. Psalm and Hymn Tunes', music; p. 104, 'Index to Part II.' 'For the progress of Psalmody in this country the Publick are in a great measure indebted to the musical abilities of Mr. William Billings, of Boston: It is but doing him justice here to observe, that he was the first person we know of that attempted to compose Church Musick, in the New-England States; his musick has met with great approbation. Many tunes of his composing are inserted in this work, and are extracted from the Chorister's Companion, printed in Connecticut, from Copper-plates. Several adepts in musick followed Mr. Billings's example, and the New-England States can now boast of many authors of Church Musick, whose compositions do them honour. A number of their tunes are in this Collection, and we hope are done in such a manner as will give them satisfaction. [New par.] N.B. A few copies of the first and second part of this work, will, by request, be printed separately, in order to accommodate a few Schools, which are at present destitute of books. The third part is now in the Press, and will be published with all possible expedition.' (Extract from Advertisement.) 'A Preface to a Collection of Psalm Tunes, &c. may appear quite unnecessary to the judicious Reader; but the Publisher begs leave just to mention in this way, several things which he hopes will not be unworthy of notice. [New par.] Having observed with pleasure the attention paid to Church Musick, by most classes of people in the New-England States, and knowing many of the books now in use, necessarily high-charged, owing to their being printed from Copper-plates, he was induced both by inclination, and at the request of several friends to attempt a work of this kind from types; hoping to afford it somewhat cheaper than any other book of its bigness printed after the usual manner. He accordingly engaged a set of musical types to be made in England for the purpose, by one of the most ingenious Type Founders in Great-Britain, which he hopes, on inspection of the tunes, will be found to have answered the purpose. [New par.] Many Gentlemen, well skilled in Vocal Musick, generously lent their aid in furnishing him with such tunes as are now most approved of, fitted to all versions of the Psalms; together with several Anthems, &c. which are judged to be good compositions. [New par.] Notwithstanding the expence of executing this work has much exceeded his expectations, yet he hopes he has so far answered the intention proposed, as that the price affixed to it will not be thought unreasonable. [New par.] The Publisher, although unskilled in musick, hopes the following sheets are as correct as books of this kind commonly are. Great care and attention has been paid to make them so; and no cost spared to have them legible, and on excellent paper. Should any little inaccuracies have slipped notice in copying the tunes, he hopes they will be viewed with candour, and mended by the Observer's pen.' (Preface, signed by Isaiah Thomas, almost in full.)
108 compositions for 4 voices; full text. Attribs. to Benham (2), Billings (19), Brownson (6), Bull (3), Carpenter, Chandler, Deaolph, Edson (4), Harm [onia] Sacra, Holdrayd, Johnson (2), King, Knapp (2), Lee, Mann (3), Mass [achusetts] Har [mony], Reed (14), Select Har[mony], Stephenson (3), Stone, Strong (2), Swan (4), Tans'ur (6), Williams (6), Wood (5).18 1st pr. claimed; 7 identified (all except ANDOVER). 173 American compositions, 33 non-American, 2 unidentified [BENNINGTON, PITTSFIELD] (72 attrib. Americans or American sources [but origin of BENNINGTON & PITTSFIELD unknown], 3 traced [NORWICH, PARIS, PSALM 33]; 19 attrib. non-Americans, 14 traced).
49 Core Repertory.
Not in Evans (no copy on Readex). DLC, InGo, MWA*.
NOTE: The flyleaf of the MWA copy is dated 10 Feb. 1786 in the hand of the original owner.
ASMI 537
Laus Deo! The Worcester Collection of Sacred Harmony . . . The second edition . . . MDCCLXXXVIII.
[2d t-p.] Laus Deo! The Worcester Collection of Sacred Harmony. Part Third. 2 p.l., 120 p., 11., 107-200 p. The binding together of two items issued separately causes the overlapping pagination.
The t-p. date of 1788 marks the date of publication, even though the introductory note in Pt. III, p. [106], is dated 'Worcester, May, 1786. Contents same as 2d ed. (No. 536) through p. 120; then same as Pt. III (No. 534): p. [105], 2d t-p.; p. [106], 'To the Lovers of Psalmody in the New-England States;' p. 107-98, music; p. 199, 'General Index to the Musick. Index to the (Second Edition of the) Second Part'; p. 200, 'Index to the third Part'; p. 200, bottom right hand, 'Note, All the Musick in the Third Part marked thus (*) not before published."
153 compositions. Contents same as Part II, 2d ed. (1788) and Part III (1786) added together.
Not in Evans (no copy on Readex). DLC, MWHi, MePPL, MiU-C* (music inc.), NRU-Mus (music inc.)
The Worcester Collection of Sacred Harmony, 3d ed., 1791
PREFATORY NOTE: Letters from Ebenezer T. Andrews in Boston to Isaiah Thomas in Worcester (Thomas Papers) show that Hans Gram in Boston and Elias Mann in Worcester acted as musical advisors for The Worcester Collection, third edition. See letters of 23 March, 21 May, 2, 16, & 23 June 1791.
ASMI 538
Laus Deo! The Worcester Collection of Sacred Harmony. First and second parts. Containing, I. An introduction to the grounds of musick; or, rules for learners. II. A large number of celebrated psalm and hymn tunes, from the most approved authors. Suited to all metres usually suug [sic] in churches. To which is now added, an Appendix, containing a number of excellent psalm tunes, (several of which are entirely new) and other pieces of sacred vocal music, many of which were composed by eminent European authors, and never before published in this country. The whole compiled for the use of schools and singing societies.
Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God. - Psalm CXLVII.
The third edition, with large additions. Printed, typographically, at Boston, by Isaiah Thomas and Ebenezer T. Andrews, sold by them at Faust's statue, No. 45, Newbury Street; and by said Thomas in Worcester. Sold also by the booksellers in town and country. MDCCXCI.
2 p.l., 143, [1] p.
Preface dated Worcester, July 1791. Worcester Massachusetts Spy, 4 Aug. 1791, announces work as published. 1st p.l. recto, t-p.; verso, 'Preface, to the Third Edition'; 2d 1. recto, dedication; verso, cut w. poem 'On Musick'; p. [1]-15, 'Part I. An Introduction'; p. 16-90, 'Part II,' music; p. 91-143, 'Appendix,' music; p. [144], 'Index to the Second Part' & 'Index to the Appendix.' 'The general approbation this work has met with, has increased the demand for it, and made it necessary to reprint another edition of the First and Second Parts, these parts being in more general use in Schools aad [sic] Churches than the third part. Advantage hath been taken of the scarcity of genuine copies to impose on the publick incorrect and spurious ones, of which those who wish to be supplied with good books will beware. . . . [New par.] In order to accommodate the singers of each part of sacred musick, in several instances where a fourth part has been wanting, the Editor has had the deficiency supplied by skilful persons, who have set it from the thorough bass of the authors, when it was affixed to their compositions. [New par.] A complaint hath been made, and with great justness, that good tunes soon wear out by becoming too familiar to the ear by frequent repetition: - The Editor hath long wished to remedy this evil, and in order to effect it, has had a tune made, by way of experiment, viz. Worcester New, Long Metre, which is of sufficient length for a portion of psalmody to be sung at one time: By this means, as there will be no repetition of the tune in church service, it will consequently last much longer than tunes composed in the usual way. Should the plan be liked, the genius of the musicians of our country will have a larger field, for a variety of moods may be contained in one tune, and the grave and lively strains adopted at pleasure. Until more tunes are made on this plan, three or four tunes of the usual composition may be sung for the same psalm, one succeeding the other, care being taken in the choice to select such tunes as are on similar keys, unless where one part of the same psalm may require a grave, and another part a cheerful key. This method will also prevent repetition, and make the tunes now in use more durable. . . . [New par.] P.S. The Editor proposes, in a short time, to publish another edition of the Third part of this work, containing Anthems, and a great variety of selected favourite musick.' (Extract from Preface.)
116 compositions, incl. 2 anthems & 9 set-pieces, for 3 & 4 voices; full text. Attribs. to Billings (18), Bremish Collection (2), Brownson (3), Bull (2), Burney (2), Chandler, Cooper, Deaolph, Edson (3), Frost, Gillet, Gram, Graun, Hall, Handel, Harmonia Sacra (10), Holdrayd, Holyoke (2), Johnson, King, Knapp, Locke Hospital (2), Madan (5), Mann (6), Massachusetts] Har[mony], Nolen, Read (10), Selby, Stephenson (3), Strong (2), Swan (5), Tans[ur's] Coll[ection] (2), Tuckey (2), Williams (4), Wood (4).15 1st pr. identified (ALL SAINTS NEW, CRUCIFIXION, LINCOLN, THE PILGRIM, WORCESTER NEW), also 6 1st Am. pr. (CHESHUNT NEW, CONTRAST, DARTMOUTH, MANSFIELD, PSALM 23, TURIN). 72 American compositions, 42 non-American, 2 unidentified [BENNINGTON, PITTSFIELD] (69 attrib. Americans or American sources [but origin of BENNINGTON unknown], 4 traced [MANSFIELD, NORWICH, PSALM 33, WORSHIP]; 34 attrib. non-Americans, 8 traced).
43 Core Repertory.
E23490 (MWA). ICN, MBC, MH, MHi, MWA*, NNC, NRU-Mus, NcWsM (music inc.), NhHi (inc. ?), NhHD, NjNbR, PPiPT (2), RPB.
The Worcester Collection of Sacred Harmony, 4th ed., 1792
PREFATORY NOTE: Letters from Ebenezer T. Andrews in Boston to Isaiah Thomas in Worcester (Thomas Papers) show that Elias Mann in Worcester and Oliver Holden, and perhaps also William Cooper, in Boston acted as musical advisors for the fourth edition of The Worcester Collection. See letters of 8 Feb., 29, & 31 July, 2, 7 & 28 Oct. 1792.
ASMI 539
Laus Deo! The Worcester Collection of Sacred Harmony. First and second parts.... Suited to all metres usually sung in churches. To which is added, an Appendix. . . The fourth edition, with additions. Printed, typographically, at Boston, by Isaiah Thomas and Ebenezer T. Andrews. Sold by them at Faust's statue, No. 45, Newbury Street; and by said Thomas in Worcester. Sold also by the booksellers in town and country. MDCCXCII.
2 p.l., 151, [1] p.
Preface dated Worcester, Dec. 1792. Worcester Massachusetts Spy, 17 Jan. 1793, advertises work as 'this day published.' 1st p.l. recto, t-p.; verso, 'Preface, to the Fourth Edition'; 2d 1. recto, dedication; verso, cut with poem 'On Musick'; p. 1-15, 'Part I. An Introduction'; p. 16-75, 'Part II,' music; p. 76-151, 'Appendix,' music; p. [152], 'Index to the Second Part' & 'Index to the Appendix.' 'The encouragement given to this work, has rendered it necessary for the Editor to publish a Fourth Edition sooner than he expected. [New par.] He has been careful to make every new Edition of this book, superiour to that which preceded it, and he flatters himself that this fourth Edition, will, on examination, have a preference to every former one. - Several Tunes, not in high estimation, are omitted, and a number of new ones, and others, much celebrated by good judges, are introduced in the room of those omitted. [New par.] A Third Part to this word [sic] is preparing for publication. - As soon as the Collection is completed, it will be put to the Press. The contents of it will be Anthems, and favourite pieces of Musick-many of the pieces will be new, and others the compositions of the best Musicians in Europe and America. (Extract from Preface, signed 'Isaiah Thomas.')
122 compositions, incl. I anthem & 9 set-pieces, for 3 & 4 voices; full text. Attribs. to Allen, Benson, Billings (16), Bremish Coll., Brown, Brownson (3), Bull, Burney, Chandler, Cooper, Edson (2), Gillet, Gram, Graun, Hall, Handel, Har[monia] Sacra (9), Harris, Holden (8), Holdrayd, Holyoke (2), King, Knapp, Locke Hosp[ital] (2), Madan (5), Mann (6), Mass [achusetts] Har[mony], Read (14), W. Read (2), Seaver, Selby, Stephenson (3), Swan (6), Transur Coll. (2), Transur, Tuckey, Williams (2), Wood (3). 17 1st pr. claimed; 7 identified. 81 American compositions, 40 non-American, 1 unidentified [BENNINGTON] (77 attrib. Americans [but origin of BENNINGTON unknown], 5 traced [JERUSALEM, NORWICH, OCEAN, PSALM 33, WORSHIP]; 30 attrib. non-Americans, 10 traced).
46 Core Repertory.
E24461 (MWA). CLU, CtHC (music inc.), DLC, ICN, MB, MHi (2), MSaE, MWA, MIU-C*, NN (lacks last p.), NcWsM (lacks t-p.), NjPT, RPB (2; 1 lacks t-p.; 1, very incomplete, b.w. Brown, Bridgewater Collection, 3d ed., 1810).
NOTE: There is no evidence that the 'Third Part' said to be 'preparing for publication' ever appeared in print.
The Worcester Collection of Sacred Harmony, 5th ed., 1794
ASMI 540
The fifth edition, corrected 540 Laus Deo! The Worcester Collection of Sacred Harmony. and revised, with great additions. Printed, typographically, at Boston, by Isaiah Thomas and Ebenezer T. Andrews. Sold by them at Faust's statue, No. 45, Newbury Street; and by said Thomas in Worcester. Sold also by the booksellers [sic] in town and country. - 1794.
155, [1] p.
Preface signed Worcester, Oct. 1794. Boston Independent Chronicle, 3 Nov. 1794, announces publication of work. p. [1], t-p.; p. [2], 'Preface, to the Fifth Edition'; p. [3], dedication; p. [4], cut with poem, 'On Musick'; p. [5]-16, 'Part I. An Introduction'; p. [17]-80, 'Part II. Psalm and Hymn Tunes', music; p. 81-155, 'Appendix,' music; p. [156], 'Index to the Musick' & 'Index to the Appendix.' 'Through the hurry in which the fourth Edition went through the Press, many errors escaped the observation of the Corrector, until the Book was published; but the greatest care has been taken to make this fifth Edition very correct, and the Editor hopes it will be found so - Several Gentlemen, well acquainted with Musick, and respectable as Authors, having inspected it before publication, and corrected the errors of the Press.' (Extract from Preface, signed 'Isaiah Thomas.')
109 compositions, incl. 2 anthems & 9 set-pieces, for 3 & 4 voices; full text. Attribs. to Belknap, Benson, Billings (16), Brownson, Bull, Chandler, Deaolph, Edson (3), Gillet (2), Gram, Hall, Harm[monia] Sac[ra] (3), Heighington, Holden, Holdrayd, Holyoke, Kimball (6), King, Knibb, Lane, Madan (6), Mann (7), Read (14), Rogerson (2), Selby, Shoel (4), Stephenson (3), Swan (5), Tans [ur] Coll[ection] (2), Tucker, Valentine (3), Williams (4), Wood (4).19 1st pr. claimed; 9 identified, also 6 1st Am. prs. (MONTACUTE, PSALM 17, SHOEL, SURRY, UNITY, YEOVIL). 76 American compositions, 32 non-American, I unidentified [UNITY] (72 attrib. Americans, 4 traced; 29 attrib. non-Americans, 3 traced).
45 Core Repertory.
E27202 (MWA). CSmH, CtHT-W, MB (2), MBC, MBu-T, MHi, MSaE (composite of 4th, 5th, 6th, & 7th eds.), MWA*, MWHi, MiU-C (b.w. mutilated copy of Lane, Christmas Anthem, Boston, 1795), N, NBuG, NN, NRU-Mus, NcWsM (front matter & music inc.), NjPT, PPiPT, TxWaB.
ASMI pp. 620-629.