American Songwriters / Composers Datebook: July 4
Although Foster’s melodies are very familiar, it is amazing that little is known about the composer.
Stephen Collins Foster (July 4, 1826 – January 13, 1864), known as "the father of American music", was born in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. He was an American songwriter known mainly for his minstrel and parlor music. He wrote most of his well known songs between 1850 and 1860. Despite the popularity of his music, Foster lived in poverty. Since his songs were not protected by copyright, Foster realized only scanty income from them. He died in New York City
in 1864.
Foster’s songs are characterized by moving melodies and simple harmonies. He composed more than 200 songs, hymns, arrangements and instrumental works and wrote the lyrics for most of them as well. Among his best-known are "Beautiful Dreamer", "Oh! Susanna", "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair", "Hard Times Come Again No More", "Camptown Races", "Old Folks at Home" ("Swanee River"), "My Old Kentucky Home", and "Old Black Joe".
His compositions are thought to be autobiographical, and many of them have remained popular through time. He has been identified as "the most famous songwriter of the nineteenth century" and may be the most recognizable American composer in other countries. His compositions are sometimes referred to as "childhood songs" because they have been included in the music curriculum of early education. Most of his handwritten music manuscripts are lost, but copies printed by publishers of his day can be found in various collections.
Stephen Collins Foster (July 4, 1826 – January 13, 1864), known as "the father of American music", was born in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. He was an American songwriter known mainly for his minstrel and parlor music. He wrote most of his well known songs between 1850 and 1860. Despite the popularity of his music, Foster lived in poverty. Since his songs were not protected by copyright, Foster realized only scanty income from them. He died in New York City
in 1864.Foster’s songs are characterized by moving melodies and simple harmonies. He composed more than 200 songs, hymns, arrangements and instrumental works and wrote the lyrics for most of them as well. Among his best-known are "Beautiful Dreamer", "Oh! Susanna", "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair", "Hard Times Come Again No More", "Camptown Races", "Old Folks at Home" ("Swanee River"), "My Old Kentucky Home", and "Old Black Joe".
His compositions are thought to be autobiographical, and many of them have remained popular through time. He has been identified as "the most famous songwriter of the nineteenth century" and may be the most recognizable American composer in other countries. His compositions are sometimes referred to as "childhood songs" because they have been included in the music curriculum of early education. Most of his handwritten music manuscripts are lost, but copies printed by publishers of his day can be found in various collections.
Mezzo-soprano, Mary Beth Nelson, exquisitely sings Foster's Beautiful Dreamer, accompanied by Lachlan Glen. Youtube, accessed February 14, 2023.
