An Introduction to America’s Music

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1

CHAPTER 2 | MILITARY, CONCERT, AND THEATER MUSIC 55


to travel and to exist in a variety of forms has made it a uniquely practical ensem-
ble. In that spirit, band performances in early America were given in many dif-
ferent settings, both indoors and outdoors: coffeehouses, taverns, and theaters
on the one hand, and parade grounds and pleasure gardens on the other. Taken
together, fi eld music and Harmoniemusik prefi gure the later history of the wind
band as it developed on American soil (see chapter 5).

CONCERT LIFE


Producing a public concert in eighteenth-century America, as today, required fi nd-
ing a venue, setting a date, securing performers, choosing music, and attracting cus-
tomers. Concerts of the time were given chiefl y by immigrants from Europe, who

date: ca. 1793
performers: Members of the Federal Music
Society, playing pairs of fl utes, clarinets,
French horns, and bassoons, with military
side drum
genre: march
meter: duple
form: binary (AABB)

Listening Guide 2.3 “Hail Columbia” PHILIP PHILE

timing section comments

0:00 A Three phrases of four bars each: abc. The third phrase modulates up a fi fth to
the dominant key, where the A section ends.
0:22 A Repeat.
0:45 B Four phrases of four bars each, dd' be: d begins in a minor key; d' repeats d a
whole step lower, bringing the music back to the tonic key, where it remains
to the end; b repeats the middle phrase of the A section;e is a new idea that
somewhat resembles the last phrase of the A section (c).
1:16 B Repeat.

note Arrangement for Harmoniemusik from Ezekiel Goodale, The Instrumental Director,
3d edition (Hallowell, Maine, 1820).

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR


  • march rhythm

  • varied timbres of mixed woodwinds and brass

  • modulation away from and back to tonic


Listen & Refl ect



  1. How does this wind ensemble differ from present-day school or military bands?

  2. What are the audible differences?

  3. What impression would this ensemble make out of doors?


CD 1.8

172028_02_044-062_r3_ko.indd 55 23/01/13 8:14 PM

Free download pdf