Item #List315 Emancipation Hymn. Composed and Dedicated by Permission to the Salem Union League. Music, Manuel Fenellosa, Abolition.

Emancipation Hymn. Composed and Dedicated by Permission to the Salem Union League.

Boston: Oliver Ditson and Company, 1863. First Edition. Fine. Item #List315

Manuel Fenellosa and his brother-in-law Manuel Emilio came to the United States from Spain in 1836 aboard the SS United States. They settled in Salem, Massachussetts, first forming a band and then a music school. They were friends of the publisher John P. Jewett, who published their work and let them perform at his home. Jewett was also the publisher of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Both Fenellosa and Emilio composed works inspired by the abolitionist cause. Emilio composed a companion piece for John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem “Little Eva: Uncle Tom’s Guardian Angel.” Manuel’s son Luis wrote A Brave Black Regiment, the history of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment. Fenellosa composed this piece in 1863, with lyrics written by an unknown “R.T.L.” He held a concert in 1864 after emancipation.

A fine example, beautifully preserved in self-wraps. OCLC 180868477, locating five copies.

Price: $800.00