Choral Treatises and Singing Societies in the Romantic Age

(Hardback)

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Choral Treatises and Singing Societies in the Romantic Age charts the interrelated beginning and development of choral methods and community choruses beginning in the early nineteenth century. Using more than one-hundred musical examples, illustrations, tables, and photographs to document this phenomenon, author David Friddle writes persuasively about this unusual tandem expansion. Beginning in 1781, with the establishment of the first secular singing group in Germany, Friddle shows how as more and more choral ensembles were founded throughout Germany, then Europe, Scandinavia, and North America, the need for singing treatises quickly became apparent. Music pedagogues Hans Georg Ngeli, Michael Traugott Pfeiffer, and Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi invented the genre that became modern choral methods; initially these books were combinations of music fundamental primers, with frequent inclusion of choral works intended for performance. Eventually authors branched out into choral conducting textbooks, detailed instructions on how to found such a community-based organization, and eventually classroom music instruction. The author argues that one of the greatest legacies of this movement was the introduction of vocal music education into public schools, which led to greater musical literacy as well as the proliferation of volunteer choirs. All modern choral professionals can find the roots their career during this century.

Reviews

This book has long been needed. It fills a gap in our knowledge of the development of choirs and choral singing in the nineteenth century, thereby providing useful background for more recent developments in the early twentieth century. David Friddles scholarship is solid, the commentary stimulating, and the result illuminating. It is a very welcome addition to the literature.

-- Nick Strimple, University of Southern California

"David Friddle is the sleuth that found and has assembled the numerous puzzle pieces of choral methodology. Choral Treatises & Singing Societies in the Romantic Age fills a long-standing gap. Thanks to his diligence, we can trace the invention, development, and dissemination of choral singing and singing treatises from Berlin to Oklahoma City and beyond. This comprehensive history is the first of its kind and merits our study. I urge you to look inside and discover our collective roots as choral professionals."

-- Jo-Michael Scheibe, University of Southern California

Author Bio

David Friddle is a conductor, organist, educator, scholar, and composer.