A Guide to the Peter Pelham Manuscript, 1744 Manuscript, Peter Pelham MS 2003.7

A Guide to the Peter Pelham Manuscript, 1744

A Collection in the
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation`s
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library
Manuscript Number MS 2003.7


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John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
P.O. Box 1776
Williamsburg, Virginia 23187
USA
Phone: (757) 565-8520
Fax: (757) 565-8528
Email: speccoll@cwf.org
URL: http://www.history.org

© 2008 By The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. All Rights Reserved.

Processed by: Special Collections Staff

Repository
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Manuscript Number
MS 2003.7
Title
Peter Pelham Manuscript, 1744
Physical Characteristics
1 volume (30 pages); 21 centimeters.
Creator
Pelham, Peter
Location
On site.
Language
English

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Peter Pelham Manuscript, Manuscript #MS 2003.7, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Acquisition Information

Gift, 2003

Biographical/Historical Information

Peter Pelham (9 December 1721 – 28 April 1805) was an English-born American organist, harpsichordist, teacher and composer. Born in London, Pelham and his family immigrated to Boston in 1730. While there, Pelham's father apprenticed him to Charles Theodore Pachelbel, son of composer Johann Pachelbel. Pelham followed Pachelbel to Charleston in 1736, and remained there for a number of years, studying with Pachelbel and later becoming a harpsichord teacher himself. Pelham returned to Boston in 1744 to serve as the first organist of Trinity Church. In 1750 Pelham moved to Williamsburg, VA to serve as organist at Bruton Parish Church. While in Williamsburg Pelham actively participated in the city's musical life, giving concerts and conducting. Additionally, he supported himself and his family by running a small music store and being supervisor for the printing of currency from 1758 to 1775. Between 1770 and 1780 Pelham was superintendent of the Public Gaol. In 1802 Pelham became blind. He died in Richmond, Virginia. (Source: Wikipedia)

Scope and Content

Inscription reads that the book contains "Lessons received on the spinnet from Peter Pelham" beginning November 1744 and continuing through January 1745. Contains notes on musical terms and styles, several minuets, arias, and other songs. Includes music by Handel and Charles Theodore Pachelbel. Pelham was a student of Pachelbel.

Index Terms

    Persons:

  • Handel, George Frideric, 1685-1759
  • Lully, Jean Baptiste, 1632-1687
  • Pachelbel, Charles Theodore, ca. 1690-1750
  • Pelham, Peter, 1721-1805.
  • Pepusch, John Christopher, 1667-1752
  • Subjects:

  • Keyboard instrument music
  • Music - 18th century
  • Piano - Instruction and study
  • Songs (High voice)
  • Songs (Medium voice)

Collection Contents

Songs
  • King George's March
  • Minuet (1)
  • Allmand
  • Minuet by Mr. Valentine
  • The Modest Question, Set by Mr. Russet
  • Thro' the Woods Laddie
  • Gavott, by Mr. Handel
  • A Song, in the masque of Comus (1)
  • Minuet, by Mr. Lully
  • Minuet (2)
  • A Song on a Lady of Quality, Set to music by Mr. Marchant
  • A Song, in the masque of Comus (2)
  • Combatti da Forte, in the Opera of Rinaldo, by Mr. Handel
  • A Song [God of Sheep for whom I languish], set to music by Mr. Charles Theodore Pachelbel
  • The Happy Shepherd, set to music by Dr. Green
  • Bonny Jean, A Scotch Tune
  • Allexis, a Cantata by Dr. Pepush
  • Aria