Hesperian Harp
Encyclopedia
The Hesperian Harp is a shape note
tunebook published in 1848 by Dr William Hauser
. Subtitled A Collection of Psalm and Hymn Tunes, Odes and Anthems, it is named after Hauser's plantation, Hesperia, in Jefferson County, Georgia
. The word "harp" is often found in the titles of such tunebooks, most famously the Sacred Harp
. The Hesperian Harp was probably the largest shape note tune book of its day, containing 552 pages of music, including 36 songs composed by Hauser. It uses the four-note system of notation pioneered by William Little and William Smith.
Shape note
Shape notes are a music notation designed to facilitate congregational and community singing. The notation, introduced in 1801, became a popular teaching device in American singing schools...
tunebook published in 1848 by Dr William Hauser
William Hauser
The Reverend Dr. William Clarke Hauser was a minister, medical doctor, teacher, composer, and music publisher. He was born December 23, 1812 in Bethania, Forsyth County, North Carolina, USA, and died September 15, 1880 in Wadley, Jefferson County, Georgia...
. Subtitled A Collection of Psalm and Hymn Tunes, Odes and Anthems, it is named after Hauser's plantation, Hesperia, in Jefferson County, Georgia
Jefferson County, Georgia
Jefferson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. It was created on February 20, 1796. As of 2000, the population was 17,266. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 16,454...
. The word "harp" is often found in the titles of such tunebooks, most famously the Sacred Harp
Sacred Harp
Sacred Harp singing is a tradition of sacred choral music that took root in the Southern region of the United States. It is part of the larger tradition of shape note music.- The music and its notation :...
. The Hesperian Harp was probably the largest shape note tune book of its day, containing 552 pages of music, including 36 songs composed by Hauser. It uses the four-note system of notation pioneered by William Little and William Smith.