Long did the early Americans pine to produce truly American choral pieces.The Puritan leadership, while largely eschewing musical instruments, worked on the perfection of vocal quality with the "singing school movement" of the late 18th century.
In 1770 The New-England Psalm-Singer was published by William Billings of Boston. It was the first tune collection by Billings and opened a magical door for American composers and song writers to find their voice.
It was a trained church musician, Charles Ives, who began to compose distinctly American music which set it apart from a European style. Ives' work contained twelve-tone rows and nonmetrical rhythms that were new innovations compared to the European counterparts. Over the decades, uniquely American Choral pieces continued to flourish and fuse which helped set America's choral movement on a bright path.
In keeping with that American Choral tradition, The Modern Art Museum will host Made in America. Presented by the Schola Cantorum of Texas Chamber Choir with Cari Earnhart conducting.
Made in America
Thursday, February 7th, 2013
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
7:30 p.m. till 9:00 p.m.
Ticket purchase required
3200 Darnell Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
Library of Congress American Choral Music Selections
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