Musica Americana Arcana

The volumes in this collection feature scores for a range of instruments, voices, and ensembles, encompassing solo pieces to those for large ensemble. These works draw not only from the European diaspora communities from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, modern-day Belgium, France, and German and Italian speaking lands, but also those of West Africa, as well as Native American groups in their efforts to maintain cultural identity within a constantly changing landscape. Organized by performance group, it comprises four individual series, organized by genre.

Within the collection are scores for an array of instruments, including violin, violoncello, viola da gamba, guitar, harp, flute, clarinet, banjo, horn, piano, and organ, among others. The ensemble works vary from unaccompanied solos to trio sonatas, to string quartets, to Harmonie band pieces, to overtures and symphonies, besides more intimate works for solo voices and full choir. All have been selected for their interest not as quaint historical pieces of Americana, but as important cultural and musical markers that offer fresh insight into the roots of American musical culture.