Choral Treatises and Singing Societies in the Romantic Age

Choral Treatises and Singing Societies in the Romantic Age explores the growth of choral methods and community choruses in the early nineteenth century, using over one-hundred musical examples, illustrations, tables, and photographs. The movement was led by music pedagogues Hans Georg Nägeli, Michael Traugott Pfeiffer, and Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi, who invented the genre that became modern choral methods. This movement introduced vocal music education into public schools, leading to greater musical literacy and the proliferation of volunteer choirs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 438 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Romantic Age saw a remarkable flourishing of choral methods and community choruses, with Choral Treatises and Singing Societies in the Romantic Age providing a comprehensive account of this development. Author David Friddle employs an extensive array of musical examples, illustrations, tables, and photographs to vividly illustrate this unique phenomenon. The journey begins in 1781, when the first secular singing group was established in Germany, marking the inception of this choral expansion. Friddle demonstrates how, as more and more choral ensembles emerged across Germany, Europe, Scandinavia, and North America, the demand for singing treatises grew rapidly. Music pedagogues Hans Georg Nägeli, Michael Traugott Pfeiffer, and Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi played pivotal roles in inventing the genre that would eventually evolve into modern choral methods. Initially, these books served as a combination of music fundamental primers, often incorporating choral works intended for performance. Over time, authors branched out into choral conducting textbooks, offering detailed instructions on how to establish such community-based organizations. Eventually, they also delved into classroom music instruction, contributing to the spread of vocal music education in public schools. Friddle argues that one of the most significant legacies of this movement was the introduction of vocal music education into public schools, which not only enhanced musical literacy but also led to the proliferation of volunteer choirs. This century serves as a rich source of inspiration for all modern choral professionals, as they can trace the roots of their careers back to this transformative period.

Weight: 758g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666911114