The American Sheet Music Collection illustrates the physical and
thematic development of sheet music printed in the United States
from the late eighteenth century through the early twentieth
century. The collection includes over 3814 items, the bulk of
which spans the years 1820-1920. Musical genres included are
English and American theatre music, comic opera, patriotic
songs, Scottish and Irish melodies, "Englished" versions of
Italian opera, contemporary topical themes (such as the Civil
War, including a small number of Confederate imprints), and
modern Broadway music. Subjects and themes covered include
sentimental songs, especially courtship and maternal
relationships; songs offered in tribute (e.g. to Washington,
Lincoln, Bonaparte; Jenny Lind, etc.); and patriotic songs,
especially of the Civil War. Major and minor publishers are
represented. Cities most prominently featured as publishing
centers include Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore;
there are also imprints from Cincinnati, Chicago, Mil