Scan 186
The American history and encyclopedia of music …, 1908
6 lines. Read by computer on 10 September 2026. Printed page 154. See the scan on archive.org.
1As the size and number of their classes gradually increased, improved congregational singing was the result. The formation of choirs naturally followed, with special seats being set apart for them. At first these bodies of singers merely took the place of the "tune setters" and served to lead the singing of the congregations. At a later date the choirs assumed very much the same position as those of today, acting not only as aids in carrying the psalm-tunes and hymns but also performing anthems and other choral pieces without the assistance, or rather the hindrance, of the congregations.
3Each choir had its leader, who set the pitch and time of the tune or composition to be sung. In the early psalm-books containing the tunes directions were printed as to the pitch to be fixed on for each tune. When the compass of the notes was but five or six above the first it was stated that a high pitch should be taken; when the compass extended to eight or nine notes above the first, the tune should be pitched low. It must be remembered that in the early days no instruments were in use in the churches. The pitch pipe came as the first aid to the choir leader. Its introduction counted for much and served to insure a convenient pitch for each tune. At the time when there was absolutely nothing except the not always infallible judgment of the precentor in fixing the key it may be imagined how haphazard was the task. Following the introduction of the pitch pipe came the tuning fork; then the cello, followed by the flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet and violin; and finally the organ.
5The first heard relative to the introduction of an organ in an American church was in 1704, when the matter was brought before the vestry of Trinity Church, New York. While the first proposition did not materialize, its influence was felt some five years later, when it was thought desirable to have a "set of organs." In discussing ways and means by which to meet the expenses of the same we find this placid resolution: "What we cannot afford ourselves, we
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