he printing of the first book on music, the importation of the first
pipe organs, the establishment of the early musical societies are
recorded, while similar events of a more recent date are of no special
importance.

The first performance of significant works--operas, oratorios,
symphonies and other choral and orchestral works--are chronicled as
carefully as possible; also the first appearance in America of noted
musicians.

It has been practically impossible to find accurate data about the works
of the older composers,--Haydn, Mozart and others, for while there are
many programs in which their names are mentioned the work played is
seldom specified (see Mr. O. G. Sonneck's "Early Concert-Life in
America"), and one must wait until the period arrives in which the work
performed is specified. Probably some of the works mentioned had earlier
performances by small organizations but the performances recorded here
are in all probability the first adequate ones.

Among the items recorded are some which cannot be regarded as marking
the musical progress of the country, and yet are items of musical
interest;--the first performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and of
"America" do not mark any progress and yet are historic events.

The establishment of Gilmore's Band and Sousa's Band are items of
interest rather than of educational progress.

In compiling this work such newspapers as are available have been
consulted, also the programs of the leading choral and orchestral
societies. Valuable help has been gained from the excellent works of Mr.
Oscar G. Sonneck, Mr. E. H. Krehbiel, Mr. Philip Goepp, Mr. George P.
Upton, Allston Brown and other writers on the American stage, and above
all from the admirable notes of Mr. Philip Hale in the programs of the
Boston Symphony Orchestra. It would be ungracious to close this preface
without acknowledging with gratitude the valuable assistance of Miss
Barbara Duncan of the Boston Public Library.

HENRY C. LAHEE

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

Preface v

I. 1640-1750 1

II. 1750-1800 5

III. 1800-1825 14

IV. 1825-1850 20

V. 1850-1875 36

VI. 1875-1890 64

VII. 1890-1900 95

VIII. 1900-1921