The late 19th Century was very different than today. One example is the career options available to women, which were limited to occupations like teacher or governess (nanny). But things had been changing for over a century, and the daughters of prosperous families were - in Europe and America at least - well educated in the classics. Indeed, music was a core of their curriculum.
Some, like Alice Tegnér (neé Sandström) were accomplished musicians. Tegnér also wrote poetry and then began writing children's songs. They became quite popular, and she published many books of children's songs.
But she was also a quite credible classical composer, as we hear in her violin sonata (four parts due to Youtube's 10 minute limit).
But she's best known today for this, Mors lilla Olle about a boy who meets a bear in the woods. His mother screams, scaring the bear off and the boy asks if the "dog" will come back again sometime. This song is so popular in Sweden that it was actually hard to find a traditional version, as opposed to electronica reinterpretations.
Nice piece(s) of history, thanks!
ReplyDeleteAlways something new to learn! Never heard of her, your knowledge is vast!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, started Sargent Rex this morning here at camp. Another great recommendation.
Lovely - Glad I stopped by!
ReplyDeleteThat would be Sergeant Rex, and I guess, my knowledge is shown to be "half vast".
ReplyDeleteLibertyman, I'm not at all sure that my knowledge is vast. Rather, I've learned (a bit) how to do research casting a wide net to land interesting catches. This one was unexpected, but fun.
ReplyDeleteI encourage you to go to Youtube to listen to some of the modern electronica interpretations of this song.