Lithograph of The Germania Musical Society

Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669
Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions.

Terms of access:

Public Domain. There are no known restrictions.

Preferred citation:

Lithograph of The Germania Musical Society, C0542, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries

Summary

Extent:
.01 Linear Feet 1 item
Creator:
Sarony & Major
Abstract:
Single-sided lithograph depicting the twenty-two members of The Germania Musical Society circa 1848-1850.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Lithograph of The Germania Musical Society, C0542, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries

Background

Scope and content:

Single-sided lithograph depicting the twenty-two members of The Germania Musical Society circa 1848-1850. The title is written in large font at the bottom of the illustration, with publisher attribution "Lith. Of Sarony & Major, New York" appearing above the title in smaller font. Underneath the illustration of each individual member is a number, possibly indicating their chair or position, which then corresponds to a more detailed listing below this containing their first initial, last name, and instrument, with the exception of No. 18 which includes just the individual's name. Twenty-one of the individuals are depicted holding their musical instrument, with the individual in the center, labeled No. 1 and identified as the "Leader," depicted holding a scroll of paper and possibly a baton.

Dating for the lithograph is based on the use of Sarony & Major as a credit line between 1845-1857, the society's formation in 1848, and Charles Lenschow's resignation as Leader in 1850.

Biographical / historical:

Formally founded in 1848, the group that became the Germania Musical Society originated with members of Joseph Gungl's orchestra in Berlin, Germany in late 1847. The group's first concert took place on May 4, 1848 at the Milentzschen Saale in Berlin and was attended by both the United States Minister to Berlin and the English Ambassador. After a brief tour in London, England, the group set sail for the United States on August 2, 1848. After arriving in New York City on September 28, the group gave their first United States performance on October 5 at Niblo's Garden (also known as Niblo's Opera House) and were soon in-demand for both public and private events in and around New York City and among the wealthy summer residents of Newport, Rhode Island. The Germania Musical Society eventually settled in Boston, Massachusetts before formally disbanding in the mid-1850s, although some members would continue to use the name for smaller orchestra groups.

Acquisition information:
Purchased by Steve Gerber from J J Lubrano Music Antiquarians in October 2011.
Processing information:

Processing and finding aid completed by Meghan Glasbrenner in December 2025.

Arrangement:

This is a single item collection.

Physical location:
Map Case 27.2
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard