Carr, Benjamin; Schetky, G. [Publishers]. Sacred Harmony: A Selection of Airs, Duos, Trios, & c. Arranged for the Organ, Piano Forte or Harp. Philadelphia: Carr & Schetky, nd but 1803. Quarto, ¼ calf over card boards, engraved title + list of subscribers + [9]-69 pages + [5]-8 bound at rear. Tears through lower portion of pp 5-8, light spotting throughout, title page foxed, vertical tear through parts of pp 45-48, corner chips to 6 pages resulting in minor notational loss, boards detached. As is. On laid paper.

 Benjamin Carr was an American composer and music publisher. He published the first sheet music covered by copyright under the new United States Constitution in 1794. He was a prominent member of the musical life of Philadelphia and undoubtedly the most important American music publisher at the turn of the 19^th century. In this work he turns his attention to themes of faith and the divine.

 The subscriber list includes the Right Rev. William White, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Philadelphia; His Excellency the Marquis de Casa Yruso his Catholic Majesty’s Envoy Extraordinary & Minister Plenipotentiary; Rev. Samuel Smith, President of Princeton College; Mrs. Rivardi for the use of her Seminary – 50 copies; and others.

 This book is  scarce, with OCLC showing only 9 institutional holdings. No other examples in the marketplace. The songs included are as follows:

 - Hymn, Come Sound His Praise;

- Hymn, B. Carr;

- Angels Ever Bright and Fair, Handel;

- Psalm XCV, R. Taylor;

- The Farewell of Jephtha’s Daughter, Handel;

- Hymn, Children of the heav’nly King;

- But Thou Didst not Leave, Handel;

- Hymn, Hark how the Watchmen; R. Taylor;

- I Know that My Redeemer Liveth, Handel;

- Anthem, Hear My Prayer, Kent;

- Total Eclipse, Samson’s Lamentation for the Loss of Sight; Handel;

- Acquaint Thyself with God, Dr. Greene;

- Oh Had I Jubals Lyre, Handel;

- Duett, Rev. Dr. Blake;

- Grateful Notes;

- Pious Orgies, Handel;

- Hymn, Jesu Saviour of My Soul

- Anthem, My Song Shall Be Mercy and Judgement, Kent;

- Praise the Lord, Handel;

- Hymn for Whitsunday, B. Carr;

- The Portuguese Hymn for Christmas Day;

- The Sicilian Hymn;

- Anthem for Christmas, B. Carr;

- Anthem for Easter, Dr. Arnold;

- Hymn, Rev. Dr. Madan.