Sheet Music: Ah! May the Red Rose Live Alway!

TitleAh! May the Red Rose Live Alway!
ComposerStephen Foster (1826–1864)
InstrumentationFlute and Piano
KeyG major
RangeC#5–F#6
Time signature6/8
Tempo52 BPM
Performance time1:35
Difficulty leveleasy
Download printable scorePDF Sheet Music (84 kB) (preview)
Download audio tracksMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (1.4 MB)
Play-along accompanimentMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (1.4 MB)
Date added2015-06-03
Last updated2015-06-03
Download popularity index☆☆☆☆☆ 0.5 (below average)
Categories
Ballads

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Wednesday 3 June 2015

Tune of the Day: Ah! May the Red Rose Live Alway!

by Stephen Foster, transcribed for flute and piano

American songwriter Stephen C. Foster wrote this parlor song in 1850. Foster probably hoped that the publication of his parlor ballads helped diversify his reputation as a song composer, but the ballads proved financially unsatisfactory as compared to his minstrel songs. In his account ledger, Foster recorded that “Ah! May the Red Rose Live Alway!” had earned a mere $8.12 in royalties over a seven-year period. As a result, Foster redirected his compositional efforts to minstrel songs, which averaged much higher returns at that time. Beginning in 1860, Foster returned once more to the sentimental ballad, the most noteworthy being “Beautiful Dreamer”.

Thanks to Frydryk for suggesting this song!