SIX WORKS BY FRANCIS JOHNSON (1792-1844): A SNAPSHOT OF EARLY AMERICAN SOCIAL LIFE

Abstract

In this project, I have sought to reconcile conflicts and inconsistencies in the literature on FrancisJohnson, explicate his relevance in the past and present, and, most significantly, to stage and record new performances on his works. As both a musicologist and multi-instrumentalist, I found myself uniquely suited to contribute to the discourse on Johnson via the mediums of both lecture and recital in this public-facing thesis project. From this research, I have explored how one might combine insights from the study of historical literature and musical manuscripts to arrange Johnson’s music for contemporary performance while also explaining the challenges of doing so. I have also sought to give voice to a historical musician who has been under-represented in the discourse and under-performed as a result.