Scan 306
The American history and encyclopedia of music …, 1908
10 lines. Read by computer on 10 September 2026. Printed page 266. See the scan on archive.org.
1assistance of Mr. Capron and Mrs. Haye, lately from Paris, whose voice he had every reason to hope would be considered as a great acquisition to his concert." The announcement also states that Mr. Kullin will "perform on a Grand Concert Pianoforte, entirely of a new invention, and just finished by Messrs. Dodds and Claus of this city." It would be interesting to know something more definite concerning "Dodds and Claus." If they really constructed a pianoforte at this time they antedate the Chickerings (the reputed makers of the first American pianoforte) by some years. The latter firm produced, in 1837, the first grand piano with an iron frame in one casting. Jonas Chickering, the head of the firm, did much in his time for the cause of music in America.
3From these early beginnings, America has come to take her place as the acknowledged peer of any country in the building of pianos. The wonderful growth of the piano trade, probably more than any other means, has tended to the popularization of music in America. From the position of an interesting curiosity the American made piano within a century has become the people's instrument par excellence. There is more piano music heard in this country today than that produced by all other instruments combined.
5The St. Cecilia Society of Charleston was one of the most ambitious of musical organizations in Eighteenth Century America, and its active influence extended far into the Nineteenth Century. Its orchestra was formed partly of amateurs and partly of professionals, the latter being engaged by the season. The following advertisement, which appeared in the New York, Philadelphia and Boston papers, is indicative of the spirit of enterprise shown, and it must also have had its influence on the musical life of these cities:
7"Charleston, South Carolina, April 11, 1771.
9"The St. Cecilia Society give notice that they will engage with, and give suitable encouragement to musicians properly qualified to perform at their concerts, provided they apply on or before the first day of October next. The performers
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.