Alexander Lee (1802-1851), Thomas Haynes Bayly (words): Come where the aspens quiver]; Koen van Stade (tenor), Neal Peres Da Costa (pianoforte); Elizabeth Bay House, Sydney, 27 February 2022

Abstract

This theatre song, with its chivalric evocations of troubadors and guitars, was first popularised by a star theatrical singer in 1820s London, Mrs (Harriet) Waylett. A decade later, in Sydney, the song was still being sung in concerts, as well as on the Sydney stage between the plays (usually two, sometimes three plays a night) by local professional vocalists. Words: Come where the Aspens quiver / Down by the flowing river / Bring your guitar, bring your guitar / Sing me the Songs I Love. / Sing me of Fame and Glory, / Sing of the poor Maid’s story, / When he true love must leave her, / Call’d to the Holy war. // Come to the wild rose bower, / Come at the vesper hour, / Bring your guitar, bring your guitar / Sing me the Songs I Love. / Sing of affection slighted, / Sing me of fond hope blighted, / Sing of the Dewy flower, / Sing of the Evening Star. See here for the original London sheet music edition: https://archive.org/details/hartley00535542/page/n105/mode/2up (DIGITISED)