Collection of 'Traditional Zuni' Songs

Newton Center, MA: Wa-Wan Press. 1904-1909. First Edition. An interesting collection of sheet music for 8 pieces of Troyer's 'traditional Zuni' music. The seven songs and one instrumental piece are inspired by the traditional music of the Zuni people, one of the Pueblo peoples, whose tribal lands are on the Zuni river in western New Mexico. The songs, with texts in English, are accompanied by explanatory texts about the traditions of the Zunis. Present are: Zunian Lullaby (cop. 1904, two copies); Zuni Lover's Wooing (cop. 1904); The Sunrise Call (cop. 1904); The Coming of Montezuma (cop. 1904, two copies); The Festive Sun-Dance (cop. 1904); Ghost Dance of the Zunis (for piano, violin, and gong ad lib, cop. 1904); Indian Fire Song (cop. 1907); and Hymn to the Sun (cop. 1909). Some light toning, but overall in fine condition, with the exception of Ghost Dance of the Zunis (spine split, with some small tears). 10.5 x 14 inches (26.8 x 35.3 cm).


Seldom encountered original publications from the American composer known for his musical arrangements of traditional Native American melodies. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Troyer settled in San Francisco sometime before 1871, where he became known alternatively as a musician, pianist and teacher of music; he began using the name Carlos around 1885. In 1893 he published Two Zuñi Songs, an arrangement of Zuni music. Eventually, his works became further romanticized and ad lib in their style.

The Wa-Wan Press was an American music publishing company founded in 1901 by composer Arthur Farwell in Newton Center, Massachusetts. The firm concentrated on publishing compositions by so-called Indianist movement members—composers who incorporated traditional Native American music into their works. Although it never achieved its founder's intentions of fomenting a classical musical revolution in the United States, the company saw success during its eleven-year history before being acquired and abandoned by G. Schirmer in 1912. (10953)

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Printed Music

Classical Music

Culture, Ethnicity & Gender

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