[Cherokee Indians] [Hunter, Anne. (1742-1821)]
The Death Song of the Cherokee Indians - Original Sheet Music
London: Longman and Broderip. [c. 1785]. Original sheet music for "an original air brought from America, by a gentleman long conversant with the Indian tribes, and particularly with the Nation of the Cherokees," with the first line "The Sun sets in Night and the Stars shun the Day." Music for voice and unfigured bass, with versions of the melody transposed for guitar and German flute. 2 pp. of a bifolium, apparently removed from a binding. One folding crease and some binding remnants; overall in very good condition. 9.5 x 12.5 inches (21.4 x 31.8 cm). WorldCat records 15 copies. (RISM H6428.)The words to the song have been variously attributed to Philip Freneau and Anne Home Hunter, who is remembered for the texts to several of Haydn's songs in English. Under the title "Alknomook," this song is found in Ryall Tyler’s play "The Contrast" (Philadelphia, 1790), and, in a slightly different version, in Mrs. Hatton’s opera "Tammany."
Anne Hunter (née Home) was the wife of the celebrated surgeon John Hunter, and a minor poet. She is mostly remembered now for the texts to at least nine of Joseph Haydn's 14 songs in English. Their relationship during Haydn's stay is ambiguous, though at the time she was a widow. Songs by Haydn on her texts include The Mermaid's Song, Fidelity, Pleasing Pain, and The Spirit's Song. (1841)
Printed Music Song