on the turntable
The Songs of Stephen Foster, The John Halloran Singers, 1994
The great American songwriter, Stephen Foster, was born right here in Pittsburgh on the Fourth of July, 1826. He is known as the "Father of American Music." His story is a sad one: Even though his songs had become published and known, he died when he was just in his mid-thirties, alone, having failed at trying to make a living with his music in New York City during the Civil War. He had just thirty seven cents to his name, with the start of a note in his wallet, "Dear friends and gentle hearts."
There are many tributes to Stephen Foster around Pittsburgh including a statue in Schenley Plaza, a theater attached to the Cathedral of Higher Learning, and a great little festival, Doo Dah Days, which takes place in Allegheny Cemetery where he is buried. Doo Dah Days includes carriage rides to his grave site, people in costumes - full skirts and bonnets, men in straw hats- and singing on the lawn.
I found this album at Half Price Books. Having heard many versions of Foster songs, I did not know what to expect. I was thrilled to find it is very, very beautiful. And, the chorus is singing with none other than the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra! The record has many great songs on it, including "Beautiful Dreamer", "My Old Kentucky Home", and "I Dream of Jeannie".
Here is Beautiful Dreamer:
The great American songwriter, Stephen Foster, was born right here in Pittsburgh on the Fourth of July, 1826. He is known as the "Father of American Music." His story is a sad one: Even though his songs had become published and known, he died when he was just in his mid-thirties, alone, having failed at trying to make a living with his music in New York City during the Civil War. He had just thirty seven cents to his name, with the start of a note in his wallet, "Dear friends and gentle hearts."
There are many tributes to Stephen Foster around Pittsburgh including a statue in Schenley Plaza, a theater attached to the Cathedral of Higher Learning, and a great little festival, Doo Dah Days, which takes place in Allegheny Cemetery where he is buried. Doo Dah Days includes carriage rides to his grave site, people in costumes - full skirts and bonnets, men in straw hats- and singing on the lawn.
I found this album at Half Price Books. Having heard many versions of Foster songs, I did not know what to expect. I was thrilled to find it is very, very beautiful. And, the chorus is singing with none other than the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra! The record has many great songs on it, including "Beautiful Dreamer", "My Old Kentucky Home", and "I Dream of Jeannie".
Here is Beautiful Dreamer:
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