Excerpt from The Modern Harp, or Boston Sacred Melodist: A Collection of Church Music, Comprising, in Addition to Many of the Most Popular Tunes in Common Use, a Great Variety of New and Original Tunes, Sentences, Chants, Motetts, and Anthems

In looking through the great variety of hymn-books now used by the numerous societies, we found many hymns of peculiar metre, and to which no music had been adapted, in any of the collections under our notice. To nearly all of these we have set music, either metrical tunes or chants. It cannot but be gratifying to no tice how rapidly this most solemn species of sacred music - chanting - is growing into public favor. It admits of a more natural and distinct enunciation than the com mon mode of singing, and is, therefore, more favorable to religious expression.

For this reason we have allowed it a space proportionate, in some degree, to its importance; having given the entire Protestant Episcopal Church Service, with numerous scripture selections, and various hymns, the metre of which Is, perhaps, more favorable to this style of music than any other: also may be found an example of the way in which hymns of any metre may be sung to a chant. Much care has been taken to have the present work embrace poetry and music adapted to the great variety of occasions for which it is usually expected such a collection will furnish a supply nor have the Elements been neglected. These we have spared no pains to render both useful and interesting, and have pursued the subject in a manner somewhat different from that which is usual, trusting that it will be none the less acceptable.

With the exception of a few old tunes, this is a collection of entirely new music: i. E. New to the American public; having either been arranged from the composi tions of distinguished European writers, contributed by American authors, or Original. With much pleasure we tender our acknowledgments to the gentlemen who have kindly contributed to our pages, and whose names are attached to their contributions; also to the many individuals for whose tunes no room could be found.

It may not be improper to add that such pieces, in this work, as are not to be found in other publications, are the exclusive property of the Editors.

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