George Washington: Music for the First President

George Washington: Music for the First President Book by Kate Van Winkle Keller CD by David & Ginger Hildebrand Book and CD 32 pages; approx.;51 min. A collection of 23 pieces to commemorate George Washington's life and career. The book is designed as a companion recording to the CD, so that singers and instrumentalists will be able to follow the recording and then perform the pieces themselves. 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 Doport, and a New York fiddler named Mr. Hoffmaster. The two dirges were written in honor of Washington after his death in 1799. The book gives the melody line, chord letters, and lyrics (where appropriate) for each song; some also have piano arrangements. An introductory essay, period illustrations, historical notes, and longways country dance directions to Stony Point and Lord Howe's Jig are also given. Instruments featured on the CD include the harpsichord, violin, baroque and English guitars, hammered dulcimer, recorder, and voices. The CD liner notes offer the same biographical essay as the book, as well as detailed program notes.

Book contents: Music for the First President (biographical info);Acknowledgements ;Introduction ;White Cockade A Toast ;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 ;Mount Vernon ;Lady Washington ;Good Morrow to Your Night Cap ;Funeral Dirge ;Stony Point ;March to Boston ;A Minuet by the Rev. Mr. Bacon ;Orpheus & Euridice ;Lord Howe's Jig Jefferson & Liberty Funeral Dirge on the Death of General Washington ;Sources;Bibliography Index,