The Birth of Liberty - Music of the American Revolution

Collegium Musicum NJ is returning to Old City Hall for its Birth of Liberty - Music of American Revolution Program Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary as WORLD-Class Musicians from Collegium Musicum bring the music of the Revolutionary Era to life with a collection of tunes, marches, and ballads popular in Colonial America. Featuring historical commentary and introductions by historian John R. Schneider. This presentation will feature music program by Collegium Musicum consisting of strings, winds, and harpsichord players with the soloists to re-enact programs known to have been performed by bands of music in the period of 1750-1790 in colonial Boston, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The program will demonstrate accurate reflection of the taste of colonial America performed by musicians as if they were at one of their homes, and presenting popular music at the time by late baroque European composers such as Henry Purcell and George Frideric Handel as well performing collection of old tunes, marches, ballads , "Federal Overture" by Benjamin Carr and other known songs and arrangements including "The Liberty Song" by Founding Fathers Francis Hopkinson and John Dickinson, and "Yankee-Doudle" variations by Belgium composer and virtuoso of 19th century Henri Vieuxtemps. The "The Battle of Trenton" - military sonata dedicated to George Washington created by the most patriotic of early U. S. composers James Hewitt and arranged for a narrator, strings, winds, harpsichord, and percussion. The performances will be accompanied by a lecture describing historical facts and dates, the role of New Jersey in American Revolution, and the stories about authors of the music of that period. Performances of music from the American Revolution play a significant role in the community of New Jersey, particularly as the state prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Revolution. Live performances bring the music of the Revolutionary era to life, allowing people to experience the past in a tangible and engaging way. Music was a powerful tool for communication and unity during the Revolution, used to spread political messages, boost morale, and create a shared sense of purpose. Shared experiences like attending a live performance of historical music can strengthen community bonds and create a sense of shared identity and belonging.