Rayner Taylor's Music for The AEthiop: Part 1, Performance History

Abstract

On Year's Day 1814, a New Grand Romantick Drama,' The AEthiop; or, Child of the Desert by William Dimond,' was offered in a style of splendour never exceeded on the American stage ... with entire new scenery, dresses, and decorations,'2 at the Chestnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, under the management of Warren and Wood. Mr. R. Taylor was billed as the composer of the music and accompaniments. Management felt so sanguine about the prospects for success that keyboard scores were advertised for sale at the box office.3 Fortunately, one copy of the score has survived intact.4