The 1740 Abraham Staats House – A Dutch Musical Miscellany

The Practitioners of Musick offer a program at the Abraham Staats House in South Bound Brook, New Jersey [March 23rd, 2024] that reflects both mid -to – late 17th and 18th century Dutch and English popular music of the sort that likely was or could be heard in New Netherlands and its capital New Amsterdam, located on the tip of Manhattan Island, and after 1664 when the English captured the city renaming it New York. Honoring James, Duke of York, brother of King Charles II who later reigned as James II adding the former Dutch colony to its North American territory.

New Netherlands was in effect a network of various settlements in the Hudson River region that included New Jersey.  Household inventories  in New Netherlands occasionally list various musical instruments such as lutes and “fluyten”  or recorders and serve as testimony to a vibrant “high & low”  musical culture. Music making was a collaborative endeavor drawing together  player and listener alike and was thought to contribute to the felicity of  social harmony.

 Dutch “popular” instrumental “repertory heard will be drawn  from such diverse  collections as “T’Uitnement Kabinet”  or “The Delightful Cabinet” and  “Boerenliedjes” or “Little Farmer/ Country Dances”  some with origins in Britain. Reflecting in some measure the multitude and influence of the cultural exchanges between the Netherlands and England during the reign of King William III and Queen Mary II. William was of the Dutch House of Orange Nassau and Mary Stuart, eldest daughter of James II.

Abraham Staats House 1740

Abraham Staats House 1740

Important among the many historic Dutch homesteads in New Jersey is the architecturally significant Staats family House dating from ca. 1740. The residence of patriot Abraham Staats, the house during the American War of Independence, served as the temporary headquarters for Baron von Steuben in 1779. The Baron was a Prussian military officer who played a leading role during the war by reforming George Washington’s Continental Army into a disciplined and professional fighting force. Acknowledging New Jersey as the Crossroads of the American Revolution, a march composed in honor of von Steuben  will be played. Social activities included various amusements including dancing such as the grand entertainment held February 18th, 1779 in Pluckemin, New Jersey.

Additional English music as could be heard in the taverns, concert and assembly rooms of New York and New Jersey , country estates and rural environs [farm communities] will also be performed.  Airs from The Beggar’s Opera [ the most often performed ballad opera in the American colonies following its 1728 London premiere ] , variation sets from a mid -18th century tune book and preceptor for the harpsichord by Robert Bremner [copies were owned by among others the Washington’s, Thomas Jefferson] and Country Dances drawn from a 1730 colonial New York dance manuscript compiled by James Alexander who would become Surveyor-General of New Jersey and later Attorney-General for New York.

For further information about the Abraham Staats House visit:
http://www.staatshouse.org

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The Practitioners of Musick and the American Friends of Lafayette.

The Practitioners of Musick announce a collaborative involvement with both National and New Jersey State Committee’s charged with supporting in myriad educational endeavors, especially for children in the classroom , the American Friends of Lafayette celebrations that are attendant in observing the Bicentennial of the fourth and last visit to the United States in 1824/25 of the American Revolutionary War hero the Marquis de Lafayette.

Lafayette upon accepting the invitation of President James Monroe to be the “Nation’s Guest’ on the near 50th anniversary of the events associated with the Revolutionary War [April 19, 1775 “with the shot heard round the world “ to the signing of the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783] made his triumphal return trip to America.

At many stops on his extensive itinerary, that included Princeton and Trenton, the Marquis was regaled with celebratory verse, toasts, songs, marches and other instrumental works. In addition, Lafayette was often lavishly feted & entertained at Balls and other “choice and select” Dance Assembly venues.

The Practitioners of Musick archive includes several original [1824 ] editions of plate printed compositions including the “Pennsylvania La Fayette March” by Mr. Taws and “Come Honor the Brave “ by Mr. W. Strickland
dedicated in honor of and as heard by Lafayette in Philadelphia .

IMG_2792The Practitioners archive also includes a rare setting [in two parts ] of “General La Fayette’s Quick Step “ as found in a circa 1805-1815 manuscript compiled most likely in New England. The melody in circulation in America undoubtedly referring to the role Lafayette, as a senior officer and confidant of General George Washington, played in the military success of the American War of Independence.

AmericanFriendsOfLafayette

The American Friends of Lafayette is an historical and patriotic society dedicated to the memory of Major General Gilbert Motier, Marquis de Lafayette and to his life and times in America and France. The AFL recognizes the ideals of this great French visionary leader, the inspirational quality of his remarkable career, his contributions to our own struggle for liberty, and his ceaseless efforts to forge a lasting bond of friendship between the United States of America and the Republic of France.

The American Friends of Lafayette is thrilled to announce the upcoming thirteen-month bicentennial celebration of Maior General Lafayette’s triumphant return tour to America!

Join us at lafayette200.org!

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Patriots Week Colonial Ball – Historic Masonic Temple, Trenton NJ

thumbnail-4The “Patriots Week Colonial Ball”, sponsored by the Old Barracks Museum, returns December 29th 2023 at The Historic Masonic Temple 100 Barrack Street in Trenton, New Jersey.  The Colonial Ball [running from 7 to 10 pm ]  is your chance to mingle with the re-enacting soldiers of The Battle of Trenton (December 1776) and enjoy their favorite social dances.  You’ll be whisked  away into the past as you learn the dance steps from Sue Dupre dance mistress, while English and small flute player John Burkhalter of The Practitioners of Musick, Timothy O’Connor playing double bass, violinist Ridley Enslow, and Ann Enslow playing hammered dulcimer perform the appropriate period music.

Advanced tickets are required. Please visit the Old Barracks website for details of the “Colonial Ball”  http://www.barracks.org

The Practitioners of Musick have been active participants over the years in Patriots Week Publick programming at The Old Barracks, the 1719 William Trent House, and the historic Trenton Friends Meeting House. For  a full list of 2023 Patriots Week events visit http://www.patriotsweek.com
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Harvest Festival – Morven Museum & Garden

thumbnail-2 thumbnail-3On Saturday, October 28th 2023 The Practitioners of Musick participated in the “Harvest Festival” at historic Morven Museum & Garden in Princeton, New Jersey.  Morven [meaning “big hill” in Gaelic] is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Many visitors were able to Fall back in time and celebrate the harvest with music and activities for the whole family at Morven rebuilt in 1758 and home to Richard Stockton (1730-1781) one of the five New Jersey Signers of the Declaration of Independence July 4th 1776.  The 2023 “Harvest Festival”, the first in the aftermath of the Covid -19 pandemic, also marked the first ever partnership with the Guild for Early Music of which the Practitioners of Musick ensemble is a founding member. Following the Practitioners performance audience members, including a number of children, were invited to try the harpsichord that was indeed for all a novel experience eagerly and enthusiastically received. One boy enthralled auditors with his playing of a Domenico Scarlatti sonata. He had never played a harpsichord before.

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Tavern Night – Old Barracks Museum

thumbnail thumbnail-1
 “Tavern Night” returned to the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, New Jersey on Friday, September 8th 2023 an  esteem’d celebration of Colonial American History.  Guests enjoyed savory foodstuffs and artisanal style beer and porter while being immersed in the setting of an 18th century tavern.  All manner of felicitous amusement and entertainment was provided from cards games to learning the latest dance steps to the most popular melodies of the day for ladies and gentlemen to convivially perform.  Sue Dupre served as dance mistress and John Burkhalter, a member of The Practitioners of Musick, played English and small flutes in company with violinist Russell Hoffmann. Many guests arrived wearing period dress that added immeasurably to the evening festivities.  The Old Barracks built in 1758, during the period of The French and Indian War, is the only surviving military barracks or edifice of its type in America.  The “Tavern Night” fundraiser supports educational programming for thousands of New Jersey students through innovative “Meet the Past” Fields Trips. The Practitioners of Musick have had a long and enriched collaboration with the Old Barracks Museum.
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“Striking Beauty” New Jersey Tall Case Clocks 1730-1830

Striking Beauty

Join the Practitioners of Musick and members of the vocal ensemble Mostly Motets led by Timothy Carpenter in a program of music in association with the Morven Museum and Garden current exhibition “Striking Beauty” New Jersey Tall Case Clocks 1730-1830. The first exhibition of its kind “Striking Beauty” celebrates the ingenuity of New Jersey clock makers and features over 50 tall case clocks from private and public collections. Clocks are on view from New Jersey cities and towns such New Brunswick, Elizabeth, Newark, Trenton, and Princeton. These freestanding pendulum clocks, all marvels of exquisite cabinetry, are as functional as beautiful with faces made of intricate brass work or painted designs of objects like ships, suns, and moons. Internally, their complicated workings are mechanical masterpieces . Some in the exhibition chime with contemporaneous melodies drawn from sacred and secular vocal and instrument sources with the tune selections recorded on the clock face dial. For example, the clock made by Silas Howell in New Brunswick circa 1797 performs four tunes with the titles painted in the dial arch “Bunker Hill”, “Norwich” , “Williams Town” , and “Newton”. Hear these compositions and more Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 6: 30 pm . For further information visit Morven.org

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Beyond the Fanlight – Music in Georgian Dublin

 Photo: View of Rutland Square, Dublin (circa 1799) by James Malton

Concert-going in Dublin in the 18th century was very much part of the social life in the Irish capital. Given that Ireland was on the periphery of Europe, it could well be imagined how Dublin, in particular, was unlikely to be a place on the itinerary of internationally renowned musicians. It is therefore surprising how active musical life in Dublin was, and how many musicians of extraordinary artistic achievement did visit the city including Geminiani, Arne, and the protean Handel. The musical riches of 18th century Dublin will be surveyed in a concert with commentary entitled “Beyond the Fanlight – Music in Georgian Dublin”  The performers for this entertainment are the Practitioners of Musick, John Burkhalter, narrator who will offer an illustrated overview as well as playing English and small flutes and Donovan Klotzbeacher harpsichordist .  The programme taking place on Wednesday September 6, 2023 at 4pm is dedicated to the memory of Gail Kohn who resided for many years at Windrows.

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Music for the Washington Family

Geo Washington - Peale“Nothing is more agreeable and ornamental than good music” – George Washington [June 4, 1777].

On December 8th, 2022 The Practitioners of Musick appeared in a special private performance for the annual George Washington Council dinner at The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.

The concert in the Alan B. Miller “Tent” Theatre explored George Washington’s life through the popular music he enjoyed in a presentation hosted by Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, Museum President and CEO, and John Burkhalter co-artistic director of the Practitioners of Musick.  The concert featured military music linked to Washington and his tent one of the most iconic surviving artifacts of the Revolution.

Additional repertory for the illustrated program, with commentary, was drawn primarily from bound volumes of 18th century manuscripts and plate printed sheet music from Great Britain and the early Federal period in America associated with the extended Washington family on deposit in Special Collections at the Fred W. Smith Library on the grounds of Mount Vernon, Virginia.

General Washington and later First President of the United States, although a fine dancer, and avid theatre goer, is not known to have played a musical instrument. Yet he and his wife, Martha, “a worthy partner” for 40 years, who had received in her youth harpsichord lessons, understood the value of music and dance as a social grace, and made sure the children under their care received a thorough musical education.

The Museum of the American Revolution is dedicated to the Enduring Promise of the American Revolution.

Visit the Museum of the American Revolution.

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“A Profound Love” of Musick – Queen’s College’s Queen Charlotte in Education and the Arts

Queen CharlotteRutgers, the State University of New Jersey was born on November 10, 1766 when, following a petition drafted, circulated, and submitted by Old Dutch Parsonage’s Rev. Jacob Rutsen Hardenbergh. William Franklin, Royal Governor of New Jersey and Benjamin Franklin’s son, granted a charter establishing Queen’s College in New Brunswick, N.J.

New Jersey’s second colonial college was named for Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III and a devoted patron and practitioner of music and the arts. 

 The first royal namesake of Rutgers was committed to education, especially for her six daughters, and kept a library including over 4,000 volumes in French, German, Italian and English covering subjects including theology, philosophy, and science alongside classics, poetry, and fiction. Combining this support for education with her own Christian devotion, Queen Charlotte emerged as a leading patron of music and the arts and was herself an accomplished harpsichordist and singer, performing on one occasion alongside the eight-year-old Mozart.

The Practitioners of Musick explore the music and history of Queen Charlotte’s cultural world connecting the Crown with Queen’s College in this virtual concert and lecture released to mark Rutgers Charter Day 2022.    

This free online program is sponsored by the Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage Association, dedicated supporters of Wallace House & Old Dutch Parsonage State Historic Sites, with an additional grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities.

Visit the Wallace House and Old Dutch Parsonage website.

Watch YouTube video presentation “A Profound Love of Musick”.

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Gainsborough and His Circle of Musical Friends

ThomasGainsboroughOn the weekend of October 14-16, 2022 for Brandywine Baroque under the direction of Karen Flint of Wilmington, Delaware, John Burkhalter, Practitioner of Musick and Independent  Scholar, presented the illustrated lecture “Gainsborough and His Circle of Musical Friends.” Gainsborough’s varied musical interests are reflected in both his correspondence and his paintings. His younger daughter, Margaret, once remarked that her father was… “led much into the company of musicians, with whom he often exceeded the bounds of temperance…being occasionally unable to work for a week afterwards.”

Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788) is considered one of the most important British artists of the 18th century and was himself an accomplished musician playing both the harpsichord and the bass viol. He entertained an illustrious group of musical friends including John Christian Bach, Charles Frederick Abel, members of the Linley family, and John Christian Fischer, amongst many others. Fischer, an acclaimed oboe virtuoso, was also Gainsborough’s son in law having married the artist’s elder daughter, Mary.

A fast friend, the actor David Garrick, described Gainsborough as … “being crammed with genius”.

For further information please visit the Brandywine Baroque website.

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