Music for the Colonial Orchestra

The early orchestral repertoire in the American colonies largely reflected current London offerings, with Handel "topping the charts" in both places. This album features music from four basic traditions: Theatrical/Operatic, Concerto, Vocal, and Symphonic. Notably, the first orchestral score published in the United States is here: Hans Gram's The Death Song of an Indian Chief. This 1978 collection was recorded in the pre-Civil War Mechanics Hall, which remains one of the finest performance facilities in New England. Liner notes include background information on the music as well as black-and-white illustrations of colonial-era musicians.