Unveiling Popular Tunes with Women Composers: Surprisingly, the timeless tune for "Happy Birthday" is one of them.
In the world of music, some tunes are so familiar that they have become an integral part of our cultural fabric. But have you ever wondered about the stories behind these beloved children's songs? Let's delve into the fascinating histories of some classic tunes.
One such song is 'The Wheels on the Bus', a catchy tune that has kept countless children entertained during their school bus journeys. Written in 1939 by Verna Hills, this song was penned when motorised school bus journeys were growing longer, and children needed something to keep them occupied during the extra travel time.
Another popular tune, 'Happy Birthday', is a song we all sing with gusto on special occasions. However, its origins are quite different from what one might expect. Originally an American school teacher's greeting song, the melody of 'Happy Birthday' as we know it today did not appear until almost 20 years after its inception. The lyrics we love today were actually a reworking of the original title, 'Good Morning to All', which was written by two sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill, in the early 1890s.
'Chopsticks', often the first tune learned by amateur pianists, was written by British composer Euphemia Allen under the pseudonym Arthur De Lulu in 1877. The tune has since been linked to various tales and legends, adding to its charm and appeal.
'Good Morning to All' also had a significant transformation. Patty Hill's melody for the song eventually became 'Happy Birthday' as it is known today. Meanwhile, the melody of 'Rock-a-bye Baby', also known as 'Hush-a-bye baby on the tree top', is linked to two popular tunes. American actress Effie Crockett is credited as the composer of the second melody of Rock-a-bye Baby, which she created in 1872. One of the tunes linked to Rock-a-bye Baby is a variant of Henry Purcell's 1686 quickstep Lillibullero.
'Eliza Aria', a piece from the ballet Wild Swans composed by Elena Kats-Chernin, has a unique connection to music. There is a four-hands piano version of Eliza Aria, which renowned pianist Lang Lang performed a few years ago.
Lastly, 'The Celebrated Chop Waltz' is a tune that has been shrouded in mystery. The composer of this waltz, who published under the pseudonym Arthur De Lulu, is Euphemia Amelia Nightingale Allen, the same composer who wrote 'Chopsticks'.
These stories serve as a reminder that even the most familiar tunes have intriguing histories waiting to be discovered. So, the next time you hum 'The Wheels on the Bus' or 'Happy Birthday', remember the fascinating journeys these songs have taken to become a part of our lives.
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