1640-1750

The Annals of Music in America during the first hundred years contain very little that would seem to be of any importance to the musicians of today. Nevertheless it is as interesting to note the beginnings of music in this newly settled country as to watch the appearance of the baby’s first tooth.

The first settlement at Plymouth took place in 1620, and we find that in 1640 the colonists were already busy with the printing press in Cambridge, Mass., and the second book which came from the press was a reprint of an English Psalm book, printed under the title of the Bay Psalm Book. This was not an original work, but its production shows that music was already a living problem, and was even then part of the life of the colonists.

Practically nothing more of note happened until the importation of the first pipe organ, in 1700. This was quickly followed by other similar instruments in different parts of the country, and even by the building of organs by Americans, the first being by John Clemm in New York, which contained three manuals and twenty-six stops, and the next by Edward Bromfield in Boston. Bromfield’s organ had two manuals and 1200 pipes, but was not completed when he died in 1746.

The early history of music in New England, as handed down to us by writers on the subject, seems to have consisted chiefly of church singing, concerning which there were many controversies. The early composers of New England were mainly occupied in composing psalm tunes, and in teaching singing schools.

The accounts of secular music come chiefly from Charleston, S. C., at which place many musicians entered this continent after visiting the West Indies. In fact, the first song recital on record in America took place at Charleston in 1733, while Boston had a concert in 1731 and Charleston had one in 1732. Charleston also claims the first performance of ballad opera on record in America (1735).

It must not, however, be supposed that New England had no secular music. The concert above mentioned goes to show the contrary. Also there is a record of small wind instruments, such as oboes and flageolets, being brought to Boston for the purposes of trade possibly with the idea that New England shepherds might play to their sheep, as shepherds in other countries are supposed to do.

We know that every farm had its spinning wheel and that clothes were made of the homespun woollens, but neither historian nor poet has ever pictured a New England shepherd with the shepherd’s pipe. Imagination has not so far run riot.

Music was in a very elementary stage during the first hundred years. The country was sparsely populated, and music depends on the existence of a community. Even in 1750 the cows, according to tradition, were still occupied, during their daily peregrinations, in laying out the streets of the future city of Boston, a city which was destined to be one of the leaders in matters musical.

Note. When a work is mentioned as “given” or “played” or “presented,” it means the first performance in America. When “produced” or “production” or “premiere” is used the first public performance anywhere is indicated.

1640. The “Bay Psalm Book” published, first American book of sacred music. The second book printed in America.

1700. The first pipe organ to reach America from Europe was placed in the Episcopal Church at Port Royal, Va. About 1860 it was removed to Hancock, and later to Shepherdstown, W. Va.

1712. First practical instruction book on singing in New England, published by John Tufts of Newbury, Mass.

1713. First pipe organ brought into New England presented to King’s Chapel, Boston, by Thomas Brattle. (Now in St. John’s Chapel, Portsmouth, N. H.)

1720. First singing societies established in New England.

1716. First mention of the importation of flageolets, hautbois and other instruments, by Edward Enstone, of Boston.

1722. A playhouse existed near the market place, Williamsburg, Va. The first theatre known to exist in America.

1728. A pipe organ placed in Christ Church, Philadelphia.

1731. Dec. First concert recorded in Boston, given at the rooms of Mr. Pelham, near the Sun Tavern.

1732. April. A concert given for the benefit of Mr. Salter, at the Council Chamber, Charleston, S. C.

1733. A pipe organ placed in Trinity Church, Newport, R. I., being the second organ in New England.

1733. Feb 26. First song recital recorded in America, given at the playhouse in Queen St., Charleston, S. C.

1735. Feb 8. First performance of ballad opera on record in America “Flora, or Hob in the Well” given at the Courtroom, Charleston, S. C.

1735. July 1 1794. Dec 25. James Lyon, psalmodist. Probably the second American composer.

1736. Jan 12. The first concert recorded in New York City, given for the benefit of Mr. Pachelbel. (Probably not the first concert given in that city.)

1737. First Pipe Organ completed in America, built by John Clemm, and placed in Trinity Church, New York City. Three manuals, twenty-six stops.

1737. Sept 11 1791. May 9. Francis Hopkinson. The first American poet-composer.

1742. Moravian settlement established in Bethlehem, Pa. Became noted in musical matters.

1742. June. First Singstunde held at Bethlehem, Pa. Eighty people present.

1743. Records of this date show that two organs existed in the Moravian Church, Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa., and that stringed instruments were used in the services, also that instruments (violin, viola da braccio, viola da gamba, flutes and French horns) were played for the first time in the Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pa.

1745-6. The first pipe organ built in New England, in Boston, by Edward Bromfield. Two manuals and twelve hundred pipes. Bromfield died in 1746 before completing the instrument.

1746. Oct 7. William Billings, First New England composer, organizer of singing societies, etc. Billings died Sept 29, 1800.