Book: She Wrote the Songs

What better day to introduce this book than International Women's Day!

She Wrote The Songs, by mezzo soprano Patricia Hammond, published by Valley Press, includes some of the most popular 19th century songs ever composed - but who knew they were also written by women? Among them: Bless This House - Music by May Brahe (1884-1956) Words by Helen Taylor (1873-1943); Come Back To Erin (1866) Music and Words by Charlotte Alington Barnard - and even Chopsticks by Euphemia Amelia Nightingale (written at the age of 16, in 1877, under the pen name Arthur de Lulli). A fascinating read, beautifully illustrated.

Patricia Hammond is an amazingly versatile singer - she can sing everything from classical works to jazz, folk and pop. She has performed in Europe and North America, as an oratorio soloist, in opera and in recital, concert halls and cathedrals. Her performances have been broadcast on many stations - including BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4. Fortunate parishioners at St Thomas More's church in Manor House, north London hear Patricia as she leads music there most Sundays.

The Covid lockdown was a terrible time for all musicians, who saw all their diary dates cancelled for many months. During that time Patricia and multi -instrumentalist Matt Redman set up Living Room Requests. A wonderful idea! For a modest fee - they will perform any request they are asked for - whether classical, Jazz, Pop, music from other countries. What a terrific, original present for someone! So far I see they have recorded 227 songs!

This show should be on television. I'm sure it will be soon.

LINKS

To buy the book from Valley Press see: www.valleypressuk.com/shop/p/she-wrote-the-songs

It is also available from Amazon and other booksellers.

Watch: Living Room Requests

Request a song HERE

See also: How a melody led to the grave of an unknown soldier + video www.indcatholicnews.com/news/35968