Henry Charles Lahee

Annals of Music in America Henry Charles Lahee

The first things recorded are regarded as important. Hence such items as the 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.