Music in 18th century

The music of wealthy americans of 18th century was the Classical Music. People in U.S. were interested in this genre because of remembrance of their origin. The European Classical musicians were highly valued, they mostly listened to Bach, Beethoven and Haydn. The first classical concert in America took place in Boston in 1731 and was called "Live music on various instruments".

After about 30 years since the first Classical concert was held in Charlestown The Association of St. Cecilia was found which allowed to form the first full-time orchestra in U.S.A. The musicians were paid by rich patrons of the arts or by subscriptions which were enabling buyers to attend all concerts within one series.

What is interesting is the fact that one of The Founding Fathers i.e. Benjamin Franklin not only played on such instruments like guitar or harp but also he invented one called glass harmonica,which is shown above. Furthermore, it was such interesting instrument that even Mozart composed an adagio for glass harmonica.

William Billings is considered to be the foremost representative of early American choral music. He was born in Boston in 1746. His "New England Psalm-Singer" which was released in 1770 was the first collection of music entirely composed by an American. As a matter of fact Billings wasn't educated in musics and he was mostly self-trained. Unfortunately he died in poverty on September 26, 1800. Before he died he was married and had six children.