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June2006
HOME All That Jazz! Show Me The Money! He Was as Strong as a Bull Moose Who Was Anacreon . . . and Why Do We Care? In the Footsteps of Marco Polo 'Bound for Glory' Honor Your Father . . . At Least Once a Year
Who Was Anacreon . . . and Why Do We Care?

Anacreon was a Greek poet, born ca. 560 B.C., whose poems mostly extolled the virtues of wine, women and song. The Anacreontic Society was founded as a gentlemen's club in London.

Anacreon (at his door).--Ah, you young rascal, I see through your disguise! You're the same little chap who shot me some days ago." Cupid (as a messenger-boy).--Maybe this letter will heal your wound. I believe the lady says she "will be a sister to you." Bye-bye "The Anacreontic Song," ca. 1790 "The Star spangled Banner : National Song / Stackpole, sc.," ca. 1861

In the mid-1760s, the Anacreontic Society commissioned a young church musician, John Stafford Smith, to compose music for material written by its president, Ralph Tomlinson. Smith's tune, "To Anacreon in Heav'n," was a vehicle not only for the society's accomplished amateurs, but also for its best baritone singer to display virtuosity through an astounding vocal range. Its musical complexity has been compared to that of the famous "Toreador Song" in Bizet's opera Carmen.

About 50 years later, on Sept. 14, 1814, while detained aboard a British ship during the bombardment of Fort McHenry, Md., Francis Scott Key witnessed at dawn the failure of the British attempt to take Baltimore. Based on this experience, he wrote a poem that poses the question, "Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave?" Almost immediately his poem was published and wedded to the tune of the "Anacreontic Song." Some historians believe that Key had the melody, which was very popular and widely recognized in his time, in mind when he wrote "The Star Spangled Banner."

"The Star Spangled Banner" is but one of the patriotic songs whose history is discussed in the "Library of Congress Presents ... Music, Theater & Dance" Web site. In addition to the "Star Spangled Banner," the stories behind "This Land Is Your Land,""Yankee Doodle" and many others are available.

Other special presentations focus on dance legend Katherine Dunham, jazz artist Gerry Mulligan and "Living Legend" Dolly Parton. Parton received the Living Legend award from Librarian of Congress James H. Billington on April 14, 2004. Established during its Bicentennial celebration in 2000, the Library of Congress' Living Legend award is selected by the Library's curators and subject specialists to honor artists, writers, activists, filmmakers, physicians, entertainers, sports figures and public servants who have made significant contributions to America's diverse cultural, scientific and social heritage. The professional accomplishments of the Living Legends have enabled them to provide examples of personal excellence that have benefited others and enriched the nation in a variety of ways. The complete list of all the Living Legends runs from Hank Aaron to Herman Wouk.


A. Udo J. Keppler, artist. [Cupid's fun], published in Puck, June 14, 1893. [Published caption reads: Anacreon (at his door).--Ah, you young rascal, I see through your disguise! You're the same little chap who shot me some days ago." Cupid (as a messenger-boy).--Maybe this letter will heal your wound. I believe the lady says she "will be a sister to you." Bye-bye]. Caroline and Erwin Swann Collection of Caricature & Cartoon, Prints and Photographs Division. . Reproduction information: LC-USZ62-84880 (b&w film copy neg.); Call No.: SWANN - no. 541a (A size) <P&P>[P&P]

B. John Stafford, composer; Ralph Tomlinson, lyricist. "The Anacreontic Song," ca. 1790. Music Division. Reproduction information: Call No.: M1630.3.S68 1790a (case)

C. "The Star spangled Banner : National Song / Stackpole, sc.," ca. 1861. Music Division. Reproduction information: Reproduction No.: LC-USZC4-2895 (color film copy transparency), LC-USZ62-19427 (b&w film copy neg.); Call No.: LOT 10615-38 <item> [P&P]