The Ephrata Cloister, founded in 1732 by Conrad Beissel, was a celibate, ascetic, German-speaking, Sabbatarian commune in the wilderness of Pennsylvania. Its residents produced a large corpus of choral hymns and motets and also published the third music treatise written in what is today the United States of America.
Because Ephrata produced no biological heirs, its documents were scattered and its traditions were forgotten over the course of the nineteenth century. Although significant strides have been made in recent years to understand Ephrata’s theology, substantial lacunae remain in the study of its music.
This presentation will introduce the attendees to some photographs of the musical manuscripts held in libraries throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. It will also discuss the process by which Ephrata composers wrote hymns, in reference to their music treatise. Finally, it will reveal evidence indicating that Ephrata’s solitary sisters wrote some of the hymns, establishing their status as American composers.
About the Speaker
Christopher Dylan Herbert (baritone) performs frequently throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, and is a two-time GRAMMY® nominee. He has soloed with The San Francisco Symphony and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, performed Ginastera centennial celebrations with International Contemporary Ensemble and the Choir of Trinity Wall Street, and consistently presents Winterize – an outdoor adaptation of Winterreise with transistor radios. He holds a B.A. in Music from Yale University, an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard University, and D.M.A. in Voice from The Juilliard School. His current research focus is on the music of eighteenth-century Pennsylvania. He was the baritone in the critically acclaimed ensemble New York Polyphony for a decade. He is the head of the voice program and the Honors Music Track Director at William Paterson University.
Secure your virtual seat today for this program or save over 20% by locking in the entire series today and be part of the conversation!
The Communities In Conversation Series - Sponsored by the Central New York Library Resources Council
This program offers both in-person and virtual (Zoom) attendance options. Regardless of your choice, all registered participants will receive the Zoom link. Additionally, a recording of the event will be emailed to everyone a few days after the program.
All proceeds support the preservation of the Oneida Community Mansion House and its educational programs.
