The Practitioners of Musick

CHANNEL CROSSINGS The Dutch / English Connection

Posted on September 29, 2018 by John & Donovan

The Practitioners of Musick created a special program entitled Channel Crossings: The Dutch/English Connection for presentation at the beautiful gothic chapel at Princeton University. It was exceeding appropriate that we were able to use this elegant chamber organ which was built in Holland by the Klop firm. In addition, we utilized the main (Skinner-Mander) pipe organ as well as recorders by famous Dutch makers such as Hans Coolsma in Utrecht and Kanji & Sorel in the Hague.

The program included works by Henry Purcell, Godfrey Finger, John Blow, Servaas de Koninck, as well as Dutch country dance melodies and the music from a collection by Antony Pointel. The program concluded with the Dutch national anthem, Wilhelmus van Nassouwe.

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At Washington’s Crossing Historic Park

Posted on April 29, 2018 by John & Donovan

The Practitioners of Musick presented a program at Washington’s Crossing, PA, which featured period dance with the Germantown Colonial Assembly as well as vocals by Rebecca Mariman who sang political broadsides and theater songs.

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The Historic Cranbury Inn

Posted on April 19, 2018 by John & Donovan

On April 14th, 2018, a program was offered to the Francis Hopkinson Chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) at the famous Cranbury Inn. The program focused on musician and composer, Francis Hopkinson, who was very active politically as well as being a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Notably, Hopkinson wrote Seven Songs which he published in 1788 and dedicated to George Washington.

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Jacobus Vanderveer House

Posted on November 2, 2017 by John & Donovan

VanderveerHouse The Practitioners of Musick will appear at the Jacobus Vanderveer house on December 1st, 2017. This will be part of the 15th Annual Colonial Christmas celebratory activity.

The Jacobus Vanderveer House interprets Dutch colonial life in America as well as the stay by General Knox and his family during the 1778-79 encampment.

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Musical Life in Colonial Philadelphia

Posted on October 19, 2017 by John & Donovan

October 13, 2017 – The Practitioners of Musick presented a program at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, which focused on the musical life of 18th-century Philadelphia.

In the image below, John Burkhalter and Donovan Klotzbeacher offer an engaging performance for the audience. Original 18th-century manuscripts and printed music were made available for viewing up close at the conclusion of the presentation. A nice reception followed.

Photo credit: Neusa Martins

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Tavern Night at the Old Barracks

Posted on September 18, 2017 by John & Donovan

TRENTON, NEW JERSEY – Friday, September 15th, 2017

marked an evening of Colonial revelry, which included food, drink and dance, to benefit the Old Barracks Museum (built in 1758).

18th-century English Country Dance was under the direction of Sue Dupre. Musical selections for the event were provided by recorder player John Burkhalter and violinist Russell Hoffman, who played duets by period composers Willem DeFesch and James Hook.

Posing on the steps of the Officer’s Quarters:

John Burkhalter plays small flute while Sue Dupre,

Russell Hoffmann, and Chuck Monroe listen.

Chuck is a reenactor at 18th-century historic sites.

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The Taylor-Butler House

Posted on June 4, 2017 by John & Donovan

On June 3rd, 2017, The Practitioners of Musick were invited to present a program based on the musical world and reign of George III and Queen Charlotte. This presentation was made possible owing to the generous assistance of the Monmouth County Historical Association.

The performance took place at the historic Taylor-Butler House, which is adjacent to Marlpit Hall (built ca. 1756) in Middletown, N.J. In the images below, note the period portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte (hanging in the background), both of whom had serious musical accomplishments. During the period of the Revolutionary War, members of the family living in the house were loyal to the crown.

Several other reenactors were on site for the occasion and they were able to enjoy our musical offerings as well.

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Period Dress

Posted on May 19, 2017 by John & Donovan

On April 21st, 2017, The Practitioners of Musick attended a conference entitled “The Art of Period Dress”. In photo, John speaks with Mark Hutter, tailor, of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The conference was held at the historic courthouse in Flemington, New Jersey.

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Sacred Harmony at Morven in Princeton, New Jersey

Posted on March 17, 2015 by John & Donovan

SACRED HARMONY was published in Philadelphia by Benjamin Carr in 1803. Much of the music from that collection was performed under the auspices of the Practitioners of Musick who have an original copy. In the photo above, girls from Princeton High School are seen as they perform vocal and choral music as found in that edition.

The program on March 15th was held at the Morven Museum and Garden. Also included in the program was the the actual song, “Welcome, Mighty Chief, Once More” that was sung to George Washington on the occasion of his 1789 reentry into Trenton under a triumphal arch. On that occasion, girls and matrons were seen in white dresses; hence, the Princeton choristers also agreed to appear in white dresses! Back in the day, Washington was quite pleased with the musical offering and sent a letter of appreciation to the singers.

John Burkhalter offered a special lecture and set forth the historical context for this music. Don Klotzbeacher accompanied on harpsichord and prepared all of the modern notation for the girls to read.

The girls’ director, Sarah Pelletier, sang vocal solos composed by George Frideric Handel and Francis Hopkinson. All in all, it was a unique and memorable program.

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State House – Trenton, NJ

Posted on July 16, 2014 by John & Donovan

The Practitioners of Musick were delighted to offer musical entertainment on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the establishment of the colony of New Jersey. The congratulatory speech given by the Constable of the Isle of Jersey (from which the state derived its name) was particularly meaningful.