The piano scores used for the original sheet music of these folk songs, hymns, and spirituals of the 1800’s were purposely made simple in order to sell as many copies as possible. The idea being that if someone in every family could read the most basic piano score, then the rest of the family could gather around the piano (usually an inexpensive upright) and sing along in the days before records, cassette tapes, CD’s, Radio, Television, iPods, YouTube etc.
Nowadays, the few people who can sight-read at the piano are more musically literate, often being able to read and play classical compositions by Bach, Handel, Scarlatti, Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven. They, therefore, deserve more interesting and rewarding arrangements of these wonderful musical treasures of the 1800’s.
Furthermore, since these arrangements for piano and voice can also be played as piano solos, the piano scores are designed to be of enjoyable musical interest on their own; that is, orchestrated for the piano as if they were sketches for an ensemble of instruments.
These arrangements can also be considered theatrical improvisations on the original sheet music. Following the best improvisational guidelines, they are based on 1) the implications of the title; 2) the meaning and words of the lyrics; 3) the melody; & 4) the harmonic pattern.
For example: Oh, Susanna! is obviously a humorous nonsense song and is therefore arranged to sound carefree, jaunty, and joyful. Also, since the singer refers to my banjo on my knee, the piano arrangement imitates the sound of a banjo as it is played for singing and dancing, strumming its rhythmic way through the simple harmonic changes.
You can see and hear the music for most of these contemporary arrangements on Sheet Music Plus and some also on YouTube. And if you wish to play and/or sing along alone or with your friends or family, please do so. Happy time travel!!!
Favorite American Folk Songs, Hymns, and Spirituals of the 1880's Vol. II
