Appearing Tasteful
Americans in the new nation wished not to appear provincial and thus took pains to cultivate refined appearances and good taste. Discernment and the appreciation of beauty was essential for musical taste, which in turn was scrutinized by critics and musical entrepreneurs who espoused a particularly elitist and Anglo-centric view. Much of the popular repertoire was in a galant style that was deemed less than tasteful by critics but which, due to its sentimental song topics and technical accessibility, was agreeable to amateurs. Musical taste was judged by appearances as well as sounds, however. The experiences of Daniel and Harriet Wadsworth demonstrate the importance of tasteful appearances, from penmanship to dress to dancing abilities. The sensibility displayed by their refined tastes was mirrored by the intimacy of their sibling relationship, particularly when Daniel cared for the ailing Harriet leading up to her death at a young age.