[Backus, Eleazer (1770-1859); publisher] - A Collection of Sacred Music, Designed Principally for the Use of Churches Which Sing without a Choir. From the Most Approved Authors

Albany: E.F. Backus, 1817. 1817. Albany: E.F. Backus, 1817. 1817. Good. - Octavo, contemporary period marbled boards backed with a tan calf spine. The covers are heavily rubbed and scuffed. [iv] & 67 pages, mostly consisting of music with lyrics, plus a one-page index. The front and rear endpapers and pastedowns are darkened and foxed. The text block is cracking opposite the preface. The pages are toned with occasional minor creases. Good.

First edition. RARE. [WorldCat locates only 7 copies]. [Shaw & Shoemaker #40519].

From the library of James Suydam, Jr. of 97 William Street, with his name, address, and the date "June, 1818" variously penned on the front cover, the front endpaper, and the title page.

Printed typographically by William Williams of Utica. This work was possibly influenced by the American composer Thomas Hastings, author of "Musica Sacra" which William Williams also printed in Utica in 1816. Hastings, at that time, had a singing school in Utica.

"That christians have been criminally negligent, in their exertions to improve this part of worship, is unhappily too manifest to be questioned. In most of our churches, the airs that are performed, are learned without effort, and sung without accuracy.--They are caught by the ear, and many who attempt them, have no knowledge of the science of music, and no pretensions to an acquaintance with the art of singing. If the angels veil their faces when the heavens echo the music that flows from their golden harps before the throne of God; what excuse can be offered for the inhabitants of his footstool, who do not make a serious attempt to praise him with reverence?" -- [Quoted from the preface]. Good .

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