Musical Monticello: Classical Music and America

Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's plantation, serves as a pivotal case study in understanding the roots of classical music in America. Jefferson, renowned for his political achievements and musical prowess, played a significant role in shaping America's musical traditions through his own performances and those of his family. His two enslaved sons, taught violin by Jefferson himself, represent the diverse stylistic spectrum of 19th-century American music, from fiddle to violin. One son was even recognized as an 'accomplished caller of dances' in the 1850 census. This study highlights the intersections of class, race, gender, and national identity within the musical ecosystem of Monticello, offering a unique lens through which to examine America's colonial music history.

Jasper Snow. (2022). Musical Monticello: Classical Music and America. Royal Conservatoire Research Portal, (1). https://doi.org/10.22501/rc.1551508