Where Home Is

This piece is part of a Libirary of Congress collection of music from 19th century Cincinnati. The pieces in the collection, many of which are recorded, paint a picture of life at the western edge of ubran life. They are accompanied by essays which contextualize the music within home life, politics, and other cultural trends.

• What cultural values are extolled in this piece?
• This piece was indended for parlor singing with family and close friends. Do people still sing in this context today? What other activities do modern families engage in that might fill a similar role?
• Consider that Cincinnati was at the forefront of the Westward expansion when this song was written. Many families had newly arrived in the area, or were intending to journey further Westward. How might that impact the song's message and interpretation?

Score: https://www.loc.gov/resource/ihas.100010969.0

Composer biography: https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.200152695/

Recording: https://www.loc.gov/item/ihas.100010967/