ABSTRACT
Eighteenth-century provincial church music has an extremely poor reputation, and has been condemned by eighteenth-century commentators and twentieth-century scholars alike. Most eighteenth-century provincial church music, usually termed 'psalmody', was written and performed by amateurs. It included not only psalms, but also anthems, service music, chants and hymns, and could be heard in both Anglican parish churches and nonconformist chapels. More difficult music required regular rehearsals, and singers began to organize themselves into formal 'singing societies', as distinct from the original religious ones. However, as singers improved they became bored with simple strophic psalm tunes and preferred more complex music worthier of their talents. More difficult music required regular rehearsals, and singers began to organize themselves into formal 'singing societies', as distinct from the original religious ones. When instruments were introduced during the second half of the century, initially to help singers maintain pitch, it was possible to perform more elaborate music.
