Album Notes

Long before the invention of television and radio, Americans provided their own entertainment at home by playing instruments and singing. This ablum contains many of the popular songs that were being sung all over the America in the late 1800s. Some were written around the time of the Civil War and remained in circulation for the next 20 years. Featured on the CD are traditional folksongs, music hall ballads, and minstrel songs for solo voices with piano accompaniment. Listeners will recognize some unforgettable folk tunes that are still sung today, as well as familiar songs by beloved American composer, Stephen C. Foster. This collection is an excellent resource for those who have read the Wilder books and always wondered what the songs sounded like, as well as those who are interested in the history of American music. All songs are performed from the original 19th c. sheet music.