Sympathy Towards a Soldier: The Music and Death of Major John André

The Publick Pleasure Presents: Sympathy Towards a Soldier – The Music and Death of Major John André

During the British occupation of Philadelphia, Major John André was a favorite among tory young ladies and well loved by his peers. An accomplished flutist and artist, Major André organized the opulent Meschianza celebration for General Wm Howe that scandalized the city’s beleaguered citizens. The celebration included music on barges in the Delaware, a joust, feasting and a candlelit ball. Within two years of the Meschianza, Major André was arrested for espionage in league with Benedict Arnold. Fearing an ignominius death by hanging, Major André begged General Washington to have “sympathy towards a soldier” and grant him death by firing squad. In this concert we’ll explore the musical life and ungentlemanly death of this “man of honor” with readings from contemporary letters, diaries and newspapers, and music of the British occupation. Music of James Oswald, Carl Friedrich Abel, JC Bach, John André, James Hewitt, and traditional ballads & dances of the British occupation of Philadelphia 1777-78. Music will be performed on period instruments, in the interpretive style of the 18th c.

The Publick Pleasure is: Anika Kildegaard, voice; Francis Liu, violin; Eve Miller, cello; John Walthausen, harpsichord; Steven Zohn, flute