The music for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 'Almighty God when round Thy shrine' was originally the Chorus of Priests from his opera Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), with new sacred text added by Thomas Moore.
Historical Context
The Old Colony Musical Society, located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, was one of about 30 musical societies founded in Massachusetts around the turn of the 19th century.
Historical Context
The Handel and Haydn Society of Boston, the oldest continuously-performing arts organization in the US, was founded in 1815.
Historical Context
In its early days, the Handel and Haydn Society's members would take 'inspiring libations' during rehearsals, a practice referred to as 'tuning'.
Composition History
The Old Colony Collection, a locally-published anthology of anthems, was acquired by the Handel and Haydn Society in 1815 and formed the basis for their first concert.
Composer Biography
Samuel Chapple, whose anthems are included in this collection, was blind from the age of 15 months due to complications from smallpox.
Historical Context
The Handel and Haydn Society, like many community choruses of the time, did not officially accept female members until 1967, though women did sing as 'invited guests'.
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