Brass music during the American Revolutionary Era

Brown, Philip. University of Washington, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2007. 3265302.

Brown, Philip. Brass music during the American Revolutionary Era. University of Washington, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing, 2007. 3265302

This is an engaging and informative treatise on the subject. Brass music is the focus, of course, delving into various aspects in the time frame covered – mid- to late-18th century America. Brass music was employed and developed in the new world from several sources, including Britain, the Hessians, and French, and more. There are chapters on brass used in sacred settings, government and military uses, instruments and sheet music, amateur playing, and professional playing, this last with sub-sections on early performances in the colonies, theater, Philadelphia, New York, Charles Town, Boston, and covering the Moravians. The Conclusion is typical for this excellent writer, clear, succinct, yet giving much information. The whole is well documented with a fine Bibliography at the end. A good read to get the general feel of music used during wars, before war, preparing for war, in war, and in a post-war setting including employment for those musicians who wanted to make a living at music.