Latrobe music book(early 19th century)

• MS 1981.4
• Microfilm: M-1585
• 1 vol. (71 pp.)

Early 19th-century manuscript music book belonging to Benjamin Henry Latrobe (1764–1820), architect and engineer. Latrobe emigrated to Norfolk, VA, in 1796; married in 1800; and had six children, including Juliana (1804–1890) and Benjamin Henry (1806–1878). Latrobe is known for many famous projects, including the south wing of the United States Capitol and the rebuilding of the Capitol after the War of 1812, as well as the Baltimore Cathedral.

Label pasted on the front of the book reads “old Fashioned Songs and Hymns copied by BHL Senr.” One of the songs is addressed to Juliana Latrobe by “her father,” and an exercise is entitled “For Juliana No. I.” The volume contains the works of 18th- and 19th-century composers including Mozart, Giordani, Martini, Sarti, Braham, and Hook. Latrobe arranged many of the pieces for the pianoforte. Most lyrics are in English, but some are in French and Italian.

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