In this book the author examines the activities and reception of the Germania Musical Society, an orchestra whose members emigrated from Berlin during the revolutions of 1848. These two dozen "Forty-eighters" gave nearly a thousand concerts in North America during the ensuing six-year period, possibly reaching a million listeners. Drawing on a memoir by Henry Albrecht, the author provides insights into the musicians' desire to bring their music to the audiences of a democratic republic at this turbulent time. Eager to avoid the egotism and self-promotion of the European patronage system, they pledged to work for their mutual interests both musically and socially. "One for all, and all for one" became their motto.