Harmonist Music Between 1927 and 1832: A Reappraisal

In its more than 100 years of existence the Harmony Society became known throughout the world for its remarkable industrial successes as well as for its religious peculiarities.The Harmonists manufactured a variety of products, among them: shoes, cloth of various kinds, including silk, whiskey, and they invested in oil and gas wells, lumber and brick yards, and railroads.The Harmony Society was a paradox: while it practiced a kind of religious asceticism, it became wealthy through its industries and business enterprises.The former kept its members united in belief and purpose; and the latter exposed many of them to the secular world of nineteenth century America.However, it was through their music that the Harmonists have left a lasting legacy.They combined German folk music with the frontier music of nineteenth century America.This paper focuses upon musical activities at Economy where Johann Christoph Miiller directed the school and musical activities, and who increased the importance of music until the Harmonist orchestra was playing sinfonias and overtures by European master composers and the chorus was performing large cantatas and oratorios.This paper focuses upon musical activities at Economy where Miiller's musical ambitions reached their peak.It seeks to reappraise his efforts there, as well as those of the young Englishman, W.C. Peters, who was hired to assist Miiller between 1827 and 1832.