The Valley Harmonist, Containing a Collection of Tunes from the Most Approved Authors, Adapted to a Variety of Metres. Also–a Selection of Set Pieces and Anthems. J. W. Steffy, ed. 2d ed., rev., enl. 336 pages. Harrisonburg, VA: H. T. Wartmann, 1845.
This copy missing at least one index page.
PREFACE
Having disposed of the first edition and Appendix of the “Valley Harmonist,” we take pleasure in presenting another, which we have enlarged and very much improved. To effect this, we have culled from various good Books a portion of their best music—searched periodical papers where we found some rare pieces—had a few original ones sent to us by our friends, to which we have added several of our own; and also with much care wrote the explanations of the rudiments of music simple and easy of comprehension. We have, as will be seen, used unsparingly the accidental flats and sharps, which we signified in our former preface to be useless. We now admit them, having learned their advantage in vocal Harmony, while to the player on instrumental music, they in many instances seem indispensable. Next after our explanations on the rudiments, we have arranged a series of exercises in singing, which we view as very necessary to a music book, and of great advantage to the learner in his first efforts to sing. These exercises commence very plain and simple, and as they increase in number, so do they grow into importance. To each of these exercises we have given a hymn to be sung the same as on other tunes. To those who may object to sacred words being used on these exercises, it may be proper to remark here, that while an idle or inconsiderate use of sacred words is certainly very objectionable and should in all instances be avoided as much as possible; yet we cannot conceive how they can be more misapplied on these first lessons of instruction, than on the succeeding ones. We trust therefore, a little reflection on this matter will throw all objections into the shade, and light and reason guide them into the more sure paths to acquire a speedy and correct practice of singing. Next after these come on good church tunes in regular order, according to metre; and then the Anthems and set pieces. After these, if room will admit, we have selected a few popular airs and patriotic pieces, which every lover of his country delights to rehearse in their proper time and place.
Thus have we tried to cater to the lovers of music, which for the time being may satisfy those who may partake, until time in her productions in this pleasing science, shall bring forth superior food for the cravings of the musical world. To our friends who so liberally patronized us in our former publications, we tender our unfeigned thanks, believing, that if in our first efforts we have been able to please them, we can hardly fail to do so in this edition, as in the worth of the last there is an advance of more than one half on that of the first. To effect this has cost us an amount of labor and care which few will imagine, and we have had difficulties to encounter in bringing it to the press which none but ourselves have any conception of and which must account for its delay. We cannot pass unnoticed, those of our friends who by subscription for some of the present work and by other acts of kindness and favors in helping us on our way to the press; as but for their good deeds we were unable at present to bring our book once more before the public. A recollection of such friends as these awaken our most grateful affections; and we fondly hope they will in due time reap a proper compensation. As respects ourself, although trials and difficulties have attended us in our way, yet we always had a gratification in collecting and arranging our music; and now cherish the pleasing hope that as we have sown with care under troublous circumstances, we may from time to time reap the fruits of our labor with comfort to ourselves, and also have the assurance that it will effect some public good.
Respectfully,
THE AUTHOR
Leave a Reply