Henry H. Prentiss
Prentiss' Complete Preceptor
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Henry H. Prentiss
Prentiss' Complete Preceptor
- Instrumentation Literature
- Composer Henry H. Prentiss
- Edition Book
- Publisher Editions Bim
- Order no. BIM-TP189
Description:
Henry H. Prentiss (1801-1860) from Boston was originally an umbrella maker. In 1834 he opened a pianoforte and music store, which moved to 33 Court Street in 1839 - the address given on the present school (after 1847 the store traded as Prentiss & Clark). Although he was mainly a merchant, he is also known to have made some woodwind instruments. The complete school (Preceptor) must have been published between 1839 and 1846. An early date around 1840 is likely, as the keyed instruments were soon to go out of fashion. An interesting anomaly can be found on page 10 with the mention of a "shake key": this is undoubtedly George Macfarlane's Clapper Key, which was patented in France and England in 1845 and 1860 respectively. The popular melodies in Prentiss' school are widely known, with the melodic variants in Yankee Doodle being particularly striking. An early owner (teacher or pupil?) made pencil and ink changes on pages 20, 21 and 26, which we have retained in our edition. On page 11, Prentiss gives pragmatic advice on the ever-controversial subject of mouthpiece position, explaining with common sense: "The lips must be pressed together... to produce the high notes." It is pleasing that he does not recommend pressure. And because this is an important tip, it is forgivable that in the next sentence he advises the student to "place the tongue between the lips". Our thanks to Robert Eliason for the information on Prentiss's life and work and for his help in dating the school. Edward H. Tarr
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for the Cornopean, Bugle Horn & Key's Bugle
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Editions Bim
Route d'Echallens 51
1674
Vuarmarens
Schweiz
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