David & Ginger Hildebrand and Julianne Baird - Music in the Life of Benjamin Franklin (CD)

The songs and instrumental pieces in this CD and book are those Benjamin Franklin knew and enjoyed during his long and eventful life. Franklin’s musical experiences were extremely varied and comprehensive for his day. Always an advocate for the common folk, Franklin delighted in sentimental Scots songs and broadside ballads. He authored comical texts to be sung as drinking songs. Yet as a diplomat and gentleman he was frequently at the Opera and at concerts in Philadelphia, Paris and London. He was familiar with works by George Frideric Handel, William Hayes, Francis Hopkinson, Anne-Louise Brillon, André Grétry, and Christoph Willibald Gluck.

TRACK LISTING: 

1. The Rising Sun 
2. The Old Man's Wish 
3. Dieu d'Amour, by Gretry
4. Adagio K.V.356(K.V.617a), by Mozart 
5. Que l'Hisorie sur l'Airain 
6. Minuetto II, by Brillon 
7. J'ai perdu mon Euridice, by Gluck 
8. Fair Venus Calls 
9. The Anthem Sung at Chester 
10. Auld Robin Gray 
11. The Antediluvians Were All Very Sober 
12. The Free Mason/The Mason's Daughter 
13. The Stol'n Kiss 
14. The Mother Country 
15. The Downfal of Pyracy 
16. See, Down Maria's Blushing Cheek, by Hopkinson 
17. Hallow E'en 
18. The Spanish Lady 
19. Sae Merry as We Twa hae Been 
20. La Voltaire & La Franklein 
21. Sing my Plain Country Joan 
22. Wise Men Flatt'ring, by Handel 
23. Ode on the Death of Franklin