A Sourcebook of Nineteenth-Century American Sacred Music for Brass Instruments

(Hardback)

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Exploring the parallel development of the brass band movement and religious fervor in late 19th-century America, this work includes illustrations from original materials as well as scores for 22 works. While the choral tradition has remained strong in churches, in this earlier period both choral and instrumental forms were equally popular. This study begins with solo cornet parts, used by men like George Ives to lead the singing at revival meetings, and ends with an extensive band arrangement of Pleyel's Hymn. Extensive historical notes, old-time illustrations, and sacred music make this a most interesting and useful reference book. An enormous amount of music was written and arranged for the popular brasswinds at the time, some of which was sacred music for the church. Changing taste and secularism resulted in the loss of the entire body of written and arranged sacred music for brass, once as cherished in church performance as the choral tradition is today. For scholars and performers interested in the variety of music produced in the United States during the 19th century.

Reviews

In this small volume he has provided a compact, helpful guide into a fascinating aspect of...brass band history, one that would seem to yield much further research and riches if what he has uncovered thus far is any indication.-The Brass Band Bridge
"In this small volume he has provided a compact, helpful guide into a fascinating aspect of...brass band history, one that would seem to yield much further research and riches if what he has uncovered thus far is any indication."-The Brass Band Bridge

Author Bio

MARK J. ANDERSON is a freelance writer and musician who lives in Woodstock, New York. He is a frequent contributor to national and international music journals. He also teaches music and leads brass ensembles for a religious community.