In 'Good Music for a Free People', author Nancy Newman examines the activities and reception of the Germania Musical Society, an orchestra whose members emigrated from Berlin during the Revolutions of 1848. These two dozen 'Forty-Eighters' gave nearly a thousand concerts in North America during the ensuing six-year period, possibly reaching a million listeners. Drawing on a memoir by member Henry Albrecht, Newman provides insights into the musicians' desire to bring their music to the audiences of a democratic republic at this turbulent time. Eager to avoid the egotism and self-promotion of the European patronage system, they pledged to work for their mutual interests both musically and socially. 'One for all, and all for one' became their motto. Originally published in German, Albrecht's memoir is presented here in for the first time in translation. Nancy Newman is assistant professor in the music department at the University at Albany, SUNY.

Strong historical and political background gives this book interest not only to the musicologist, but also to the history enthusiast. . . . Easy to read.'

Erica Rumbley Source: Music Library Association Notes

This is a book of great value in nineteenth-century American studies. It details a major episode in early American culture - the concerts and philosophy of one of the first permanent ensembles to bring European music to the United States - and reveals the importance of arts to midcentury Americans, particularly after the German immigration.'

John Graziano Source: Cuny Graduate Centre