Root, George F. School for the Melodeon, Harmonium, and Cabinet Organ : containing Progressive Lessons, Studies and Scales; Songs, Duets, Trios, and Quartets; Voluntaries, Interludes and Recreative Pieces; for the Parlor and Choir. Boston: Oliver Ditson & Company, 1863. [12087]
Green printed boards, black cloth spine, oblong 9 1/4 x 11 3/4 inches. Binding is worn, scuffed, and stained; the front right corner is cracked but not detached. Lacking both the front and back free end papers, with wobbly boards. 144 pages, the music is in round notes. Fair. Hardcover.
Title continues: Carefully Prepared with Reference to the Advancement of Learners, both in Technical Ability and Taste as well as the True Development of the Powers and Beauties of those Instruments.
George Frederick Root (1820-1895), b. Sheffield, Massachusetts; d. Bailey Island, Maine. Root was trained in the piano by George J. Webb. He was a music teacher, church organist, and composer. Root became famous through several very popular military songs adopted by Union troops during the first American Civil War. His composition "The Battle Cry of Freedom" is recognized as the most popular Northern war anthem. It was so popular that a version was amended for the use of Confederate troops.
