When the Library of Congress was founded in 1800, the institution could not yet boast an established Music Division; in fact, it would be nearly a century before the Library formally created a Music Division. That decision was not so much a philosophical reflection of music’s importance in our culture but rather a necessary course …
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The 2014-2015 Concerts from the Library of Congress season announcement is now available! Music should bring us together and open our minds to discovery, innovation and reflection—it resists categorization. We find the labels put on music to be boring, restrictive and tiresome… don’t you? In honor of the 150th birthday of our founding …
The following is a guest post from retired cataloger Sharon McKinley. With summer and picnic season in full swing, The Library of Congress celebrates this treasured national institution in song, photos, and motion pictures. There are entire books, plays and poems centered around picnics, and the Music Division offers a wealth of musical delights. A …
James Wolf of the Library of Congress has created a fantastic video compilation of some of our audio and visual treasures related to “The Star-Spangled Banner.” View the video below and peruse more recordings, sheet music and memorabilia via the Songs of America portal. Join the #SSB200 conversation on twitter by tagging @librarycongress, or visit …
Throughout 2014 the Library of Congress’ Music Division is celebrating the 200th birthday of our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” On July 3 Concerts from the Library of Congress will present a symposium and concert, “Poets and Patriotism,” in commemoration of the anthem’s anniversary. We will be joined by internationally-renowned baritone Thomas Hampson for a …