High-minded and low-down : music in the lives of Americans, 1800-1861 / Nicholas E. Tawa.

Author/creator Tawa, Nicholas E.
Format Book
Publication InfoBoston : Northeastern University Press, ©2000.
Descriptionxiii, 350 pages ; 24 cm
Subjects
Music--Social aspects. --United States.
Music--United States. --19th century. --History and criticism.

Contents Shaping music for an American society -- The state of musical culture -- Art music and opera in the young American democracy -- Common patterns of thought and feeling -- To serve a useful purpose -- The shaping of lyric and tune -- Why Americans did or did not cultivate music -- Americans who shunned music -- Superficial justifications for music -- An agreeable recreation -- The emotional side to music's cultivation -- Therapeutic and other reasons for music's cultivation -- Songs for remembrance -- Musical transcendence -- Becoming acquainted with music -- Musical instruments in the home -- Discovering music in the domestic circle -- Discovering secular music outside the home -- Discovering sacred music outside the home -- The influence of education -- The European impact -- Interracial exchange -- Listening to professional musicians -- Listening to popular singers -- Listening to oratorios -- Listening to opera and other imported vocal music -- Listening to instrumental art music -- Amateur music making at home -- The nonprofessional aproach to musical performance -- Eulogies to the home -- Secular music within the home circle -- Religious music within the home circle -- Parties, frolics, and other celebrations -- The customary evening parties at home -- The more imposing parties -- Frolics: revels for commoners -- Excursions and picnics -- Other causes for musical celebration -- Education and religion -- Music at school -- Sunday schools -- White church services and prayer meetings.
Abstract This book presents a portrait of how various strata of Americans encountered, performed, and enjoyed music from the dawn of the 19th century to the Civil War. Relying on letters, memoirs, interviews, and other primary sources, the author explores settings from the opera house to the saloon and discusses how economic class, educational background, geographic distribution, and other factors helped steer the way Americans experienced musical performance.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (pages 333-343) and index.
LCCN 99089419
ISBN1555534430 (cl : alk. paper)
ISBN1555534422 (pa : alk. paper)

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Music Stacks ML3917.U6 T39 2000 ✔ Available Place Hold