An Introduction to America’s Music

CHAPTER 2 | MILITARY, CONCERT, AND THEATER MUSIC 57

Public concerts of the eighteenth century emphasized variety, running more

to short pieces than long ones. Most were two-part affairs, each part beginning

and ending with as full an ensemble as possible, and mixing vocal and instru-

mental selections in between. Vocal numbers ranged from solo songs and opera

arias to glees (unaccompanied songs for three or more solo singers). Instru-

mental numbers included solo keyboard pieces, chamber music, and pieces for

orchestra, with “Concerto” or “Grand Symphony” meaning a one-movement

excerpt, not an entire three- or four-movement work.

The program of a concert given on June 25, 1799, in Salem, Massachusetts,

offers a glimpse of how a corps of seasoned troupers might plan a concert. This

performance was a joint benefi t for Catherine Graupner, a prominent theatri-

cal singer, and Peter Albrecht von Hagen, instrumentalist and orchestra leader,

both active in Boston.

The program follows the standard two-part format, with orchestral works

beginning and ending each part. Soloists supplied variety, and fi ve of the seven

belonged to either the Graupner or the von Hagen family. The Graupner–von

A Concert Program of 1799

part 1st

Overture, composed by...................................... .Pleyel

Song by Mr. Munto...................................... Dr. Arnold

A Sonata on the Grand Forte Piano for 4 hands, by Mrs. von Hagen and Mr. von Hagen, jun..... Kozeluch

“By my tender passion,” a favorite song in the Haunted Tower, by Mrs. Graupner.......... Storace

Solo on the Clarinet, by Mr. Granger................................ .Vogel

Lullaby, a favourite Glee for four voices, Mrs. Graupner, Mr. Granger, Mr. Mallet and Mr. Munto.. Harrison

Concerto on the Violin by Mr. Von Hagen........................... Jearnowick

part 2nd

Concerto on the Piano Forte, by Mrs. von Hagen.......................... Haydn

Columbia’s Bold Eagle, a patriotic song, words by a gentleman of Salem.

Music by Mr. Graupner and sung by Mrs. Graupner

Concerto on the Hautboy, by Mr. Graupner............................ .Le Brun

The Play’d in Air, a much admired Glee in the Castle Spectre, by Mrs. Graupner,

Mr. Granger, Mr. Mallet and Mr. Munto

Quartetto by Messrs. von Hagen, sen. and jun., Mr. Laumont, and Mrs. Graupner

“To Arms, to arms,” a new patriotic song, written by Thomas Paine, A.M. sung by

Mrs. Graupner and music by Mr. von Hagen, jun.

Finale.............................................. Haydn

In their own words

program formats

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