Fish and Tea and Taxes

Ne'er let Corruption taint the Patriot's Name.

Poor Richard, March 1759

And so we come to March, with spring less than two fortnights hence. For many, thoughts need focus upon the year's planting, with little time left to ponder the philosophies of men.

Yet, 'twas in March 1775 that Mr. Patrick Henry spoke the words "Give me liberty or give me death!" The sentiment is not often echoed by American patriots in our own times. Indeed, Mr. Franklin would remind us that those unwilling to give up personal safety for liberty are not deserving of it.

This month, too, our thoughts turn to taxes. As well, in those the early months of 1775, in New England, an anonymous author penned these words to "Derry Down," a popular fiddle tune of the day:

What a court hath olde England of folly and sin,
'Spite of Chatham and Camden, Barre, Burke, Wilkes and Glynn!
Not content with the Game Act, they tax fish and sea,
And America drench with hot water and tea.

The names mentioned were all members of Parliament who were sympathetic to the complaints of the colonies. The complaint, of course, was against the taxation of fishing and tea, because those taxed were given no representation within the British government.

Note should be made that, unlike those who lately associate "tea party" with a desire for no taxes at all, American colonists of 1775 were not against taxes. They understood that for the British government to serve and protect them, and to encourage their economy--especially from an ocean's distance away, considering the costs of shipping--taxes were a necessary evil. They merely objected to having no say in where those tax revenues would originate. The tea parties of America in 1775 were a protest not against taxes, but against a lack of representation in Parliament.

The song "Fish and Tea" can be heard on Colonial Revelers CD Revelry, Reflection and Revolution.

Your humble servants,
HH

Midwinter & The General's Birthday

"If February give much snow
A fine Summer it doth foreshow."

The winter is half done, and despite what the wild creatures foretell, with their thick coats and tails, and the doubtful viewing of their shadows in the dawn hour, spring shall follow in less than four fortnights' time.

This month, General Washington shall observe the anniversary of his birth. In the year of his birth, England and her colonies still employed the Julian calendar, and the anniversary then fell upon February 11. In 1752, England converted to the Gregorian calendar, and the date converted to February 22.

This year, we shall celebrate the day 'twixt old and new calendars -- on Monday, February 15. Colonial Revelers cordially bids you to join us at the visitor center at Valley Forge National Historical Park on that day, for song and a slice of Mrs. Washington's famed Great Cake.

Children may engage in crafts and learn colonial dances, and the General himself will be present to lead young troops in marching and maneuvering.

The revelry shall begin at 10 in the morning and proceed until 3 in the afternoon. You may learn more at

http://www.nps.gov/vafo/planyourvisit/events.htm

Click on the 15th.

Your humble servants,
HH

DOWN AMONG THE DEADMEN

by Elena Santangelo

The title track in DOWN AMONG THE DEADMEN, Colonial Revelers second CD, almost sounds like it was composed for a Pirates of the Carribean movie, but actually it's 300 years old, dating from the reign of Queen Anne of Britain. (Some sources attribute the lyrics to John Dyer, and he may have contributed verses, but he would have been 14 when Queen Anne died, so chances are, some version of the song was already in circulation).

The original opening lines were

Here's a health to the Queen
And a lasting peace,
May faction end and wealth increase.

At the time, many factions were warring for control of Britain, especially since Anne had no children and did indeed die in 1714 leaving no heir to the throne. Later in the century, during the American Revolution, the song became popular with Loyalists on both sides of the Atlantic. "King" was substituted for "Queen" but the sentiments were the same--a plea for all sides to make peace and bring back prosperity instead of throwing money after costly wars (a lesson we could still learn today).

The verse goes on to urge

Come, let's drink while we have breath,
For there's no drinking after death.

But you might argue, what about the refrain? Isn't that a threat?

And they that won't with us comply,
Down among the deadmen let them lie.

Not much of one, it turns out. The "deadmen" were the empty bottles that piled up on the floor under tavern tables. The lyrics go on to toast women, food, drink and Bacchus, the god of pleasure himself. This isn't a song of war but of merrymaking.
_________________
ELENASANTANGELO is the principal music researcher and arranger for Colonial Revelers.

Our Story


Twixt Christmas Day and Candlemas (February 2), if the roads be frozen enough for foot or carriage or sleigh, this is the season for visiting neighbors and friends--and of sitting by the fire and storytelling. Here, then, is ours:

Once Upon A Time there lived a talented troupe of performers known as The Philadelphia Revels. Each December they'd present a special show of music, dance and storytelling from a different culture or historical era. And each season a small group of cast members would perform in community outreach programs, bringing songs and dances of the season to children and elder citizens who could not attend the main show.

In the year 2000, The Philadelphia Revels chose "Christmas in Colonial Philadelphia" as their theme and, as usual, the group performing outreach programs took part of their show out into the community. Unlike other years, however, long after the main show was over and the New Year brought in, nursing homes, churches and historic sites were still asking for programs of colonial music. The songs may have been enchanted. Or possibly the proximity to Philadelphia and Valley Forge generated extra interest in colonial themes.

Whatever the case, two years later the small outreach group was still performing colonial songs, a capella and in costume, when they were asked to help raise funds for a beautiful old historic church. The ensemble's first full length concert was presented at the church in June of 2002, and the group adopted the name Colonial Revelers.

The Philadelphia Revels ceased operation soon after, but demand for the colonial concerts and workshops continued, so Colonial Revels was adopted in January 2006 by a brand new non-profit organization: Historical Harmonies.

Historical Harmonies stated purpose is "To educate the public by providing a fuller understanding of history, and in particular American history, through the performance of vocal/choral music of specific eras." Besides sponsoring all Colonial Revelers activities, the organization produces May Revelers and Victorian Carolers. The former troupe presents celebrations and workshops of May Day music and traditions. The latter performs seasonal music of the Victorian era as well as programs of Civil War era songs.

In January 2007, Colonial Revelers released their first CD, REVELRY, REFLECTION & REVOLUTION, featuring songs that might have been sung in colonial taverns, churches and military camps.

On January 1, 2010, look for CD #2, DOWN AMONG THE DEADMEN, a compilation of 17th and 18th century tavern songs.

Will they all sing happily ever after? Stay tuned.

Your servants,
HH

Courteous Reader,

Here comes the Orator! with his Flood of Words, and his Drop of Reason.
Poor Richard's Almanac, 1735

An almanac, by definition, is designed to inform the reader month by month throughout the year.

While those of us in Historical Harmonies cannot claim to be experts in, say, the best planting time for pumpkin seeds, we would like to share what we know of historical--in particular, 18th century-- vocal/choral music. Through this almanac, we can also keep you informed of our events and recordings, and give you an idea of who we are, what we do, and why we do it.

We hope to entertain you here
And delight throughout the coming year.

Your servants,
HH