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Moravians were protestants
whose religion predates Luther and Calvin (Unitas Fratrum was established in
1457); their leader was John Huss
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There was a large-scale
immigration of Moravians to America in mid 18th Century; main American
settlements in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Salem, NC
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Moravians had a very
rich music tradition with lots of instrumental music
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Music was extremely
important in their lives
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Moravians participated
in the ÒlearnedÓ European tradition
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The music they composed
was mostly for their own church; their music had little impact on mainstream
American music at the time
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Jeremiah Dencke (1725-95) came to America in 1761, until then
important musician in Moravian church in Saxony (Germany); organist. Composed first American work in 1765. Although
his music could be performed by amateur musicians in Europe, it is quite
different from New England practices of the same time.
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A typical form was the Liebesmahl ("Lovefeast"): service that is mostly musical; contains
performances of anthems (choral
work with sacred or moralizing text, performed in liturgical or ceremonial context;
should be in English) and hymns
(song praising God). Lovefeasts held on church holidays and other special
occasions e.g. anniversaries, funerals.
July 4 1783 they held their first lovefeast in honor of American
independence.
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Johann Friedrich
Peter (1746-1813) is generally considered best Moravian-American
composer; born in Holland of Moravian parents. Educated in Holland.
Came to America in 1770 (Nazareth PA), later went to Salem NC. Wrote 105 anthems and solo songs, 6
quintets (first chamber music written in America).
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Although church music
was main focus, there was some secular/chamber music, for example the string
trios of John Antes (1740-1811);
he was born in America, but his chamber music was written in Cairo, Egypt; he
was serving as Moravian missionary there 1770-81.