Choral Treatises and Singing Societies in the Romantic Age

Choral Treatises and Singing Societies in the Romantic Age charts the interrelated beginning and development of choral methods and community choruses, with more than one-hundred musical examples, illustrations, tables, and photographs. It argues that one of the greatest legacies of this movement was the introduction of vocal music education into public schools, leading to greater musical literacy and the proliferation of volunteer choirs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2024
Publisher: Lexington Books

Choral Treatises and Singing Societies in the Romantic Age is a comprehensive exploration of the interrelated development of choral methods and community choruses during the early nineteenth century. Author David Friddle presents a compelling narrative through more than one hundred musical examples, illustrations, tables, and photographs, shedding light on this unique phenomenon. The book begins in 1781 with the establishment of the first secular singing group in Germany, and Friddle traces the expansion of choral ensembles across Germany, Europe, Scandinavia, and North America. As more choral groups emerged, the need for singing treatises became evident, leading to the invention of modern choral methods by music pedagogues Hans Georg Nägeli, Michael Traugott Pfeiffer, and Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi. These books initially combined music fundamental primers with choral works intended for performance, but authors later expanded into choral conducting textbooks, detailed instructions on founding community-based organizations, and classroom music instruction. The author highlights the significant legacy of this movement, which introduced vocal music education into public schools, resulting in greater musical literacy and the proliferation of volunteer choirs. This period is considered a pivotal era in the history of choral music, and all modern choral professionals can trace the roots of their careers to this time.

Weight: 603g
Dimension: 228 x 151 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666911138