Music and poetry book, 1782-1783.

ArchivalResource

Heath, Susanna, 1758-1787. Music and poetry book, 1782-1783.

Music and poetry book, 1782-1783.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/122335897

This collection consists of a microfilm copy of a manuscript not owneed by the Society and photographs of selected pages of that manuscript. The microfilm contains a 62-page music and poetry book kept by Susanna Heath, 1782-1783, and bound in wallpaper. The music is especially interesting because each piece is dated (composed from 1780 to 1783), and eleven of the twenty-eight pieces were written by William Billings (1746-1800) of Boston, Mass., yet only three of the twenty-four sacred pieces had appeared in print before this book was written. Fourteen of the twenty-four sacred pieces were never published. Apparently, "Sukey" Heath secured manuscript copies, possibly from Billings himself (she may have been a singing student of Billings). Heath actually composed one tune, titled "Moriston."

1 microfilm reel (positive) ; 35 mm.1 folder (29 photographs)

American Antiquarian Society