Introducing Parlor Songs of Pittsburgh

I know what you’re thinking…another project? Yes.

To be fair though, it’s not quite new. It’s just the first time I am chatting with you all about it here. I’ve already delivered a lecture recital on this topic, and I’m scheduled to deliver two more!

First, I’ll share the details. Then I’ll share where you can see these lecture recitals. You can always check my upcoming engagements, however.

It all started with one of my usual trips to the Carnegie Library in Oakland. I noticed an exhibit of tunes from the turn of the 20th century. Right away, they caught my eye—their detailed Art Nouveau sheet music covers colorful behind the glass case. Upon further inspection, I realized all of the songs had Pittsburgh themes. Titles such as “Pittsburg: City of Smoke,” “The Wreck of the Flyer Duquesne,” and “Pittsburgh, You’re a Grand Old Town” jumped out at me.

Our steel town had songs written about it? Of course I deem Pittsburgh to be a worthy subject of jaunty tunes, but I had no clue composers at the turn of the century were crafting odes to our city. Musical memoirs, if you will. However, it makes a lot of sense if we know anything about parlor song.

Parlor Song refers to a genre of music that had its heyday between the Civil War and the turn of century when Tin Pan Alley (the hub of music publishing in New York City at this time) reigned supreme. Parlor Songs were aptly named, because they were composed to be played in the parlors of middle class homes. Composed and consumed by the growing middle class in America. Most of which, had pianos in their homes at this time. Since there were no phonographs, radios, or televisions, home entertainment was of “Do-It-Yourself” variety. Naturally, these songs held up a mirror to the culture. Subjects are timely, parochial, and sentimental.

Photo c/o the Kerr Museum, depicts a parlor in a middle class home

Upon chatting with the music librarian at Carnegie Library, and digging through the collections, I realized just how special these songs were. I also realized that many of them had been untouched in family collections for years, just to be left untouched in the library references for years. A time capsule of sorts. It has been “challenge accepted” since then. I am discovering everything I can about these tunes and I am bringing them to life in performance again. These songs & their legacies are not over.

In my next blog post, I’ll be sharing all the details of a tune called, “My Youghigheny Girl.” Plus, I’ll be sharing the full song on Youtube (linked of course for your listening)!

In the meantime, you can see a preview of my full lecture recital here.

UPCOMING LECTURE RECITALS

Brady Collins