| Contents |
Music in the life of Thomas Jefferson. Early years ; Williamsburg ; The years of Jefferson's marriage ; Philadelphia ; Paris ; Return to Philadelphia ; Washington D.C. ; Monticello -- The musical education of daughters and granddaughters. The retirement years -- Thomas Jefferson's musical instruments. Violins ; Another Jefferson violin? ; Guitars ; Spinet ; Martha's harpsichord ; Maria's harpsichord ; The Hawkins piano ; Other family pianos with incomplete documentation ; Virginia Randolph Trist's piano -- The technical delights of a delightful recreation. Keyboard instruments ; Musical curiosities ; Sostenente experiments ; Hawkins's inventions -- Conclusion. Appendices. I. Jefferson's 1783 catalog: a transcription of the music section ; II. Monticello Music Collection ; III. Jefferson's notes on tickets purchased for musical performances while minister to France. |
| Abstract |
This book has served as the definitive work on Jefferson's musical knowledge and activities for over thirty years. This revised edition includes new details about the music Jefferson enjoyed throughout his life, the musical instruments of his time, and the importance of music to Jefferson and his family at Monticello. Jefferson once described music as 'the favorite passion of my soul.' As the author shows, Jefferson's love of music is reflected in his correspondence, in the musical education of his daughters and granddaughters, and in the contents of his extensive music library. This book, the first exploration of Jefferson's musical world, offers an intimate understanding of the role music played in his daily life and invites us to experience the music he once enjoyed. |
| General note | Originally published: Charlottesville : University Press of Virginia, 1974. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| LCCN | 2009044626 |
| ISBN | 9781882886289 (alk. paper) |
| ISBN | 1882886283 (alk. paper) |
