The Sacred Harp

The Sacred Harp (Philadelphia: T. K. & P. G. Collins, 1844) is a ‘Collection of Psalm and Hymn Tunes, Odes, and Anthems; selected from the most eminent authors, together with nearly one hundred pieces never before published…well adapted to churches of every denomination, singing schools, and private societies, with plain rules for learners’, by B. F. White* and Elisha J. King*, of Hamilton, Georgia. The Preface consists of a main paragraph dated April, 1844 followed by the name B. F. White, followed by a single sentence with the names of both compilers.  An Introduction is followed by 18 pages on ‘Rudiments of Music’, followed by ‘General Observations’.  For example, no. 14 states that...