Ep 16. The Music of Early Mormonism--Part 2

The Joseph Smith Papers season 2 episode 16 is titled "The Music of Early Mormonism--Part 2." In this episode, viewers will explore the fascinating role music played in the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the origins of music in the early days of the church. Music was a crucial element of the Mormon experience, and early members sang hymns and spirituals as part of their worship. Viewers will get a sense of the importance of music in early Mormonism, and how it helped to shape the faith and values of the church.

As the episode progresses, viewers will learn about some of the key figures in early Mormon music, and how they worked to create a unique and vibrant musical culture within the church. They'll hear about composers like William Clayton, who wrote some of the most beloved hymns in the Mormon canon. They'll also hear about performers like Emma Smith, who was known for her beautiful singing voice and her role as a leader in the early Mormon community.

Viewers will also get a sense of the diversity of music in early Mormonism. While the church's hymns are perhaps the most well-known example of early Mormon music, there were also other types of music that were popular among members. For example, viewers will learn about shape-note singing, a popular form of music in the 19th century that involved using different shapes to indicate the notes of a song.

Throughout the episode, viewers will be treated to performances of some of the most iconic and beloved hymns in the Mormon tradition. They'll hear renditions of "Come, Come, Ye Saints," "The Spirit of God," and other classics that have been sung by generations of Mormons. They'll also hear some lesser-known pieces, many of which have been recently rediscovered by musicologists and historians.

But the episode isn't just about music. It's also about the larger cultural context in which early Mormonism developed. Viewers will learn about the wider musical landscape of the 19th century, and how early Mormons adapted and innovated within that context. They'll also hear about the challenges that early Mormons faced in dealing with hostile communities and governments, and how music served as a way of bolstering the faith and identity of the church in the face of adversity.

Overall, "The Music of Early Mormonism--Part 2" is a fascinating and informative episode that sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of the Mormon experience. Through a combination of history, performance, and analysis, viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of the role that music played in shaping the faith and culture of the early Mormon community.