Stephen Collins Foster (July 4, 1826 – January 13, 1864) The history of western music in the 19th Century includes many chapters on great European composers who sadly died “too young”. Enormous fascination exists for Mozart, Schubert, Chopin and Mendelssohn, none of whom saw their fortieth birthdays. However, whilst the music of these Austrian, Polish
Philip Paul Bliss (July 9, 1838 – December 29, 1876) It was fifty years after the death of Charles Wesley, generally recognized as the greatest writer of hymns the world had seen, that Philip Paul Bliss was born in very humble surroundings in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. This young boy, who spent his first six years
Carrie Jacobs-Bond (August 11, 1862 – December 28, 1946) Alongside a large catalogue of popular music which delighted both audiences and fellow musicians, Carrie Jacobs-Bond is perhaps best remembered (and rightly celebrated) for having overcome tremendous hardships, tragedies and professional difficulties. She would eventually become the most successful female composer in her field and managed
Anthony Philip Heinrich (March 11, 1781 – May 3, 1861) Few 19th Century composers built such musical bridges between Europe and the United States as Anthony Philip Heinrich. Born in Bohemia (the modern day Czech Republic) in 1781 he enjoyed a comfortable upbringing and early adulthood, having inherited several businesses fro m an uncle. Unfortunately