Dolcy Jones
Dolcy Jones is a lively costumed quartet that was established in 2003 by artist, musician and interpreter of New York history, Arthur Kirmss, to perform early American vocal music at its best – from the dawn of the colonial era through the Civil War years. Named “Dolcy Jones” after an 1850's song of that title by Stephen Foster, the quartet presents a wide dramatic range – heroic, nostalgic, sentimental and joyous.
Celebrating the richness and hidden beauty of historic American music, Dolcy Jones brings new life to little-known or forgotten examples. Recently, the ensemble presented a narrated concert of 19th century music entitled “In a Brooklyn Parlor — an Evening of Forgotten Music” at the Williamsburg Art & History Center in Brooklyn, New York. It comprised mostly forgotten, little performed, or neglected music that was written in Brooklyn and New York City during the19th century. Selections included, “The Light at Home” by William Mason (c. 1857), “Ellsworth's Avengers” by A. Lora Hudson and S.L. Coe (1861), “Brooklyn” by J. Zundel (c. 1863) and “The Banner of the Stars” by Captain R.W. Raymond and George William Warren (1863).
A major aspect of Dolcy Jones' mission is to revive interest in “unknown” or forgotten American music. The ensemble brings to life, for contemporary audiences, music which might otherwise remain as it has — inaccessible to most — on printed pages in libraries or museums. In its research, Dolcy Jones has rescued a number of original music collections from being trashed or destroyed. The music is performed as it was written, giving the listener an authentic experience of its original style and sound. Many concerts are also narrated; this provides information to enrich an understanding of the music's cultural and historic aspects and context.
Dolcy Jones has a wide ranging repertoire that can be tailored for many occasions. Programs can be designed and are available by period, historic event, musical genre, composer, holiday, venue, geographical location and much more. One program, The Sound of History, offers topical highlights from 350 years of American music.
Celebrating the richness and hidden beauty of historic American music, Dolcy Jones brings new life to little-known or forgotten examples. Recently, the ensemble presented a narrated concert of 19th century music entitled “In a Brooklyn Parlor — an Evening of Forgotten Music” at the Williamsburg Art & History Center in Brooklyn, New York. It comprised mostly forgotten, little performed, or neglected music that was written in Brooklyn and New York City during the19th century. Selections included, “The Light at Home” by William Mason (c. 1857), “Ellsworth's Avengers” by A. Lora Hudson and S.L. Coe (1861), “Brooklyn” by J. Zundel (c. 1863) and “The Banner of the Stars” by Captain R.W. Raymond and George William Warren (1863).
A major aspect of Dolcy Jones' mission is to revive interest in “unknown” or forgotten American music. The ensemble brings to life, for contemporary audiences, music which might otherwise remain as it has — inaccessible to most — on printed pages in libraries or museums. In its research, Dolcy Jones has rescued a number of original music collections from being trashed or destroyed. The music is performed as it was written, giving the listener an authentic experience of its original style and sound. Many concerts are also narrated; this provides information to enrich an understanding of the music's cultural and historic aspects and context.
Dolcy Jones has a wide ranging repertoire that can be tailored for many occasions. Programs can be designed and are available by period, historic event, musical genre, composer, holiday, venue, geographical location and much more. One program, The Sound of History, offers topical highlights from 350 years of American music.