SEPTEMBER MOON / SWEET ADELINE

Description: This musical film contains several sequences. First, "September Moon" features Florence Wightman on the harp, and visuals of nature by Robert Bruce. Next, songwriter Harry Armstrong discusses the history of “Sweet Adeline,” one of his best-known sentimental songs. He then performs it. He explains that the melody originated in 1898–1900, that lyricist Dick Gerard originally titled the song “Sweet Rosalie,” and that the piece struggled to find a publisher before being renamed and published as “Sweet Adeline” in 1903. The performance is especially notable for including the song's relatively obscure original verse before moving into the much more familiar refrain. Note: Florence Wightman was an American harpist of the 20th century. She began her orchestral career in Philadelphia theaters, and then served as Principal Harp for the Cleveland Orchestra, making her the first woman to hold a principal position in the USA, though for only one season. Harry Armstrong composed the music for the iconic 1903 barbershop ballad "Sweet Adeline" (originally titled "You're the Flower of My Heart, Sweet Adeline"), with lyrics written by Richard Husch Gerard. The song became a massive turn-of-the-century hit and an enduring standard in vocal harmony. 0:00 "September Moon" featuring Florence Wightman on the harp. 2:22 -Harry Armstrong introduces the history of his famous song “Sweet Adeline,” explaining that he composed the chorus melody in 1898 and the verse melody in 1900. He recalls meeting lyricist Dick Gerard and originally calling the song “Sweet Rosalie.” 2:36 - The song reportedly struggled to find a publisher for three years because publishers did not believe in its potential. In 1903, Gerard changed the title to “Sweet Adeline,” after which the song was finally published. The performer notes that many listeners may never have heard the song's original verse. 3:01 - The performer begins singing “Sweet Adeline,” starting with the lesser-known verse. The lyrics describe someone sitting alone in the evening, reminiscing about a lost love and remembering the time when she was near. 3:30 - The song shifts into its central romantic theme as the singer wonders where his beloved is and whether her heart still feels the same. 3:42 - The singer evokes sighing winds and nightingales singing the beloved's name, creating a sentimental atmosphere of longing and remembrance. 4:03 - The performance continues with the singer expressing devotion to Adeline and describing her as the beautiful image appearing throughout his dreams. 4:23 - Adeline is affectionately described as the “flower of my heart,” reinforcing the song's idealized romantic imagery. 4:48 Scene in a bar where men sip beer and sing the song a capella. 5:45 - The final phrases of “Sweet Adeline” are sung as the music carries the performance to its close.

Online Copy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeWhLVw30Ok

Metadata Source:YouTube