In 1776 New England was full of music. Songs with a driving beat helped speed the
work in kitchens and workshops. Soldiers marched
to lively fife-and-drum tunes, youths sang melodies of romantic passion,
mothers crooned lullabyes, and churches rang with hymns. Music was an important weapon
in the battle for hearts and minds, as both sides created songs to encourage either
rebellion or loyalty to the crown. Ballads carried the news of the day, especially
important to those who could not read,
and when the sun went down there was nothing better than a 40-verse
ballad full of bloody plot twists to while away the evening.
Singer and historian Diane Taraz presents the songs enjoyed by both sides during the American Revolution, exploring the fascinating world behind the lyrics. In colonial dress, she sings and accompanies herself on guitar and Appalachian lap dulcimer, transporting listeners back to the turbulent time of our country's birth. Her crystal-clear voice is the perfect vehicle for songs that were usually sung without instruments.
The Castle Island Song, penned by grumpy British soldiers exiled from Boston after the Massacre, in which they threaten to return and "make you poor pumpkins to sweat!"
An American Frigate, a broadside ballad of 1780 about Capt. John Paul Jones, who cried in the heat of battle, "I have not yet begun to fight!"
Young Ladies in Town, created in 1769 to encourage fashionable women to boycott British goods, going so far as to ask them to refuse marriage proposals from men who persisted in wearing London fabrics.
Come Here, Fellow Servant, a 1759 song from a London play whose popularity in the colonies shows how bold ideas about equality took root. The last verse foretells the love of freedom and mobility that became part of the American character.
Soldier, Will You Marry Me?, a funny song, but one based on the harsh reality of the poverty of the average soldier. American troops froze and starved for lack of uniforms and food, most famously at Valley Forge.
Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier, a heartbreaking lament with Irish roots, like many in the Colonies.
A Revolutionary Tea, an allegory written after the Boston Tea Party about an island queen (Britain) and her saucy daughter (America).
Free America, written in 1770 by the beloved patriot Dr. Joseph Warren, who was slain at the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Chester, a 1778 anthem by William Billings meant to bolster the morale of a population facing the mightiest army on earth with few resources.
Diane is director of the Lexington Historical Society Colonial Singers, who perform at the society's historic houses: Buckman Tavern (gathering place of the Lexington Militia), the Hancock-Clarke House (one of Paul Revere's destinations on his famous ride), and Munroe Tavern, the museum of the Redcoats. She has performed at many libraries, museums, and historical organizations throughout Massachusetts.
References:
Mark Schmidt, Winslow House, Marshfield. 781-837-5753, mark.schmidt@winslowhouse.org
Diane presented Songs of the Revolution at Winslow House in Marshfield in August 2010.
Susan Bennett, Executive Director, Lexington Historical Society. 781-861-9568, susan.bennett10@verizon.net
Reviews:
"Thank you so much for one of the best programs we have ever had. Your narration about the songs was priceless,
and your lovely voice a treat."
-- Joyce Hawkins, Sheffield Historical Society, joyross99@verizon.net
"I knew when you agreed to do the program for us that we would have an enjoyable evening of music.
I did not realize that we would be treated to an absolutely wonderful history lesson, delivered
with a teaspoon of sugar that made it go down with ease. It was an incredible evening. We all
appreciated your taking us back in time."
-- Terry Barry, Friends of the Robbins Library, Arlington, Mass.
"Her voice is truly exquisite, and her rapport with the audience warm and engaging."
-- Mike Harde, Westford Historical Society
Songs of the Revolution is usually a one-hour program, although it can be easily expanded. The fee is flexible and depends partly on travel time, starting at $100 or $150. To book this enjoyable and educational performance, call Diane at (781) 648-3719 or e-mail her at diane@dianetaraz.com.