A parlour song by Stephen Foster dating from 1854 and whilst it has become a favourite, the song was not a commercial success and hardly known in Foster’s own lifetime. A version by the violinist Heifetz became very popular in the 1940’s. The musical arrangement retains the harmonic outline of Stephen Foster’s song although some of the rhythmic detail of the melody has been edited. The context of the song is actually very sad in that it was written when Foster was estranged from his wife. The arrangement comprises an introduction of 4 bars, a verse of 16 bars , a link of 4 bars and repeat of the verse and with a closing section or coda. Keyboard players should be aiming for a fine legato singing tone in their playing keeping to the editorial suggestions and detail. It is very easy to underestimate the musicality of Foster’s songs and his contribution to early American music. A plain score is appended to the edited music score. copyright law was in place in the USA from 1831 although it is fairly evident that Stephen Foster did not make very much money from his songs.
