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The Stephen Foster Collection: A Treasure Trove of American Music

Justin Bell

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Published in The Stephen Foster Collection: 10 Early American Songs For Solo Voice And Piano

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The Stephen Foster Collection at the University of Pittsburgh is the largest and most comprehensive collection of Stephen Foster's music and memorabilia in the world. The collection includes over 2,000 pieces of music, including original manuscripts, published sheet music, and recordings. It also includes a large collection of personal items, such as letters, diaries, and photographs.

The Stephen Foster Collection: 10 Early American Songs for Solo Voice and Piano

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Language	:	English
File size	:	8109 KB
Print length	:	72 pages

Stephen Foster was one of the most popular and successful American composers of the 19th century. He wrote over 200 songs, including some of the most beloved American songs of all time, such as "My Old Kentucky Home," "Oh! Susanna," and "Camptown Races." Foster's songs were often inspired by the folk music of the American South, and they helped to popularize this music around the world.

The Stephen Foster Collection was founded in 1934 by Josiah K. Lilly, a wealthy collector and philanthropist. Lilly donated his collection of Foster materials to the University of Pittsburgh, and the collection has been growing ever since. Today, the collection includes over 2,000 pieces of music, including over 1,000 original manuscripts. It also includes a large collection of personal items, such as letters, diaries, and photographs.

The Stephen Foster Collection is a valuable resource for scholars and musicians. It provides a glimpse into the life and work of one of America's most beloved composers. The collection is also a testament to the power of music to bring people together and to inspire creativity.

Highlights of the Collection

The Stephen Foster Collection includes many rare and valuable items, including:

The original manuscript of "My Old Kentucky Home."
The published sheet music of "Oh! Susanna."
A letter from Foster to his wife, Jane.
A diary kept by Foster during his travels.
A photograph of Foster with his family.

These items provide a unique window into the life and work of Stephen Foster. They help us to understand his creative process, his personal life, and his impact on American music.

The Stephen Foster Collection Today

The Stephen Foster Collection is housed in the University of Pittsburgh's Music Library. The collection is open to the public, and it is a popular destination for scholars, musicians, and tourists. The Music Library also hosts a variety of events and exhibitions related to Stephen Foster and his music.

The Stephen Foster Collection is a valuable resource for scholars and musicians, and it provides a glimpse into the life and work of one of America's most beloved composers. The collection is also a testament to the power of music to bring people together and to inspire creativity.