This recording includes songs and instrumental tunes familiar to our first President. Thoroughly researched and performed on reproduction instruments popular in late 18th-century America, these pieces demonstrate the breadth and character of music during George Washington's lifetime. Selected chiefly from 18th-century American sources, they include pieces composed in Washington's honor, songs heard at Mount Vernon during his lifetime, tunes to which he danced, and airs and instrumental works he enjoyed at the theater and in concert. Some of the featured composers are Francis Hopkinson, Henry Carey, Pierre L. Duport, and a New York fiddler named Mr. Hoffmaster. Instruments include: harpsichord, violin, baroque and English guitars, hammered dulcimer, recorder and voices. Liner notes offer both a biographical essay and detailed program notes.
A Companion Music Book accompanies the recording above. The pieces appear in the same order they are heard on the recording, and chords have been added to make the music more accessible to musicians of today. An introductory essay, period illustrations, and historical notes are included. The book will lie flat on a music stand.
CONTENTS:
White Cockade
A Toast by Francis Hopkinson
There was a Jolly Miller
Sweet Richard
General Washington
Of all the Simple Things
Durang's Hornpipe
The Death of General Wolfe
He Comes, the Hero Comes!
The President's March
The Drum
Fancy Minuet danced before General Washington, 1792
Mount Vernon
Lady Washington
Good Morrow to your Night Cap
Funeral Dirge
Stony Point
March to Boston
Orpheus and Euridice
Lord Howe's Jig
Jefferson and Liberty
Funeral Dirge on the Death of General Washington
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