Sheet Music Collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 2007.201

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Consists primarily of individually published songs for voice and piano or piano solo from the late 19th century and early 20th century. Some method books and collections of songs published together are included, as well as a few promotional sheets of music samples from publishing companies. One large, bound book of unrelated, individually published sheet music is included. Incomplete pieces, music samples, the bound book, and fragile documents are housed in a separate box from the rest.

Dates

Creation: Majority of material found within 1865-1927, Bulk [1881-1917]

Rights Statement

Materials in this collection may be protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code).

Biographical / Historical

The 19th century saw the advent of parlor music in Europe and North America. Parlor music was widely distributed sheet music published for and often composed for use and performance by amateur musicians in their own homes. This coincided with an increased affordability of instruments and music lessons amongst the middle class. Parlor music was usually written for voice and piano and the lyrics were often sentimental or romantic in theme. Sheet music was at the forefront of the music industry until the rise in popularity of the phonograph record and radio around the 1920s.

Extent

3.0 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Late 19th Century and early 20th Century published sheet music and compilations representing a cross-section of popular parlor music of that era, before written music was eclipsed by phonograph and radio in American homes.