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Echoes of the Baroque: Exploring Henry Purcell’s Music at the Library of Congress

Posted by: Heather Darnell

The following is a guest post by Reference Librarian and early music specialist, Dr. Stacey Jocoy. The Library of Congress is pleased to announce Henry Purcell: A Guide to Resources at the Library of Congress, a new research guide dedicated to one of the Baroque era’s most influential composers. Often called the “English Orpheus,” Purcell …

Explore the Legacy of Black Dance with a New Research Guide

Posted by: Heather Darnell

The Library of Congress Music Division is excited to announce the release of Black Dancers and Choreographers: A Guide to Resources at the Library of Congress, a comprehensive research guide showcasing the Library’s unique resources on the rich history and cultural impact of Black artists in American dance. Since the 19th century, Black dancers and …

Jim Belushi Visits the Library of Congress

Posted by: Heather Darnell

On June 27, 2024, actor and comedian Jim Belushi visited the Library of Congress, where he received a special tour of the collections of the Music Division, Recorded Sound Division and American Folklife Center. Belushi took part in  “Live! At the Library: The House of Blues Moves into the Library of Congress,” an event celebrating …

two photos of a woman washing her hair on stage

A Rodgers and Hammerstein Anti-Valentine’s Playlist

Posted by: Heather Darnell

Never lacking romance, the musicals of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II are often known for their love songs, such as the soaring “Some Enchanted Evening” from “South Pacific” and the cheeky “People May Say We’re in Love” from “Oklahoma!”. But not everybody wants to be reminded of fairytale romances and star-crossed soulmates—especially on Valentine’s …

Rebel Music Publisher, Honest John Playford at 400!

Posted by: Heather Darnell

The following is a guest post by Music Division Reference Librarian Dr. Stacey Jocoy. If you know the tunes to ”Greensleeves,” ”Lillibullero,” or just about any traditional British tune, you should thank John Playford (1623-1687). Known today primarily for the Playford Dances—originally published as ”The English Dancing Master” in 1650/1, Playford was the most important …

Jo Stafford fixes her hair in a mirror, an assortment of beauty products and perfumes in front of her.

Performing Arts Reading Room Website gets a Makeover!

Posted by: Heather Darnell

Hey, everyone! The Performing Arts Reading Room website has undergone a makeover. Our streamlined design is more accessible, mobile-friendly, and responsive — making it easy for researchers to find the information they need while discovering new resources. Here are just a few highlights: A simple landing page directing researchers to our various services and resources …