Francis Hopkinson’s Seven Songs to George Washington / LP Vinyl

Product Details

• Artist: Gordon Myers (Baritone)
• Label: Parrish Recorded Enterprises
• Format: Vinyl, LP, Stereo
• Released: 1976
• Genre: Classical, Historical Music

Overview

This album commemorates Francis Hopkinson, a significant figure in American history, and his contributions to music and art. Hopkinson, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was also a talented composer. This recording features his Seven Songs to George Washington, performed in Hopkinson’s historic house in Bordentown, New Jersey, on June 11, 1976. These songs, dedicated to George Washington, represent some of the earliest examples of music written by an American composer.

Gordon Myers, a distinguished baritone, performs the collection, accompanied by John Burkhalter on recorders, William Darst on viola da gamba, and Edward Parmentier on harpsichord. The album also includes Four Shakespeare Songs by Benjamin Carr, showcasing a blend of American and European musical traditions from the 18th century.

This LP is both a musical treasure and a historical artifact, celebrating America's early cultural achievements during the nation's bicentennial celebrations.

Track Listing

Side I

Francis Hopkinson’s Seven Songs for Harpsichord or Forte Piano (1788)

1. My Days Have Been So Wondrous Free (1759)
   The first song composed in America by a native-born American.
2. Come Fair Rosina, Come Away
3. Beneath the Weeping Willow’s Shade
4. O’er the Hills Far Away
5. Enraptured I Gaze
6. See, Down Maria’s Blushing Cheek
7. The Trav’ler Benighted and Lost

Side II

Seven Songs for Harpsichord or Forte Piano (Continued)

1. Rondo: My Gen’rous Heart Disdains

Four Shakespeare Songs (Benjamin Carr, 1768-1831)

1. The Song of Willow (Othello)
2. When Icicles Hang by the Wall (Love’s Labour’s Lost)
3. Take, Oh! Take Those Lips Away (The Merchant of Venice)
4. Tell Me Where Is Fancy Bred (Measure for Measure)

Key Credits

• Baritone: Gordon Myers
• Recorders: John Burkhalter (H.C. Fehr, Switzerland, and H. Coolsman, Netherlands)
• Viola da Gamba: William Darst (W. Uebel, East Germany)
• Harpsichord: Edward Parmentier (William Dowd, Boston)
• Shakespeare Song Harpsichord Accompaniment: Frances Cole and Sylvia Eversole

Box #150