Live Recordings – A Concert of Music from the Benjamin Grierson Collection

The following tracks were recorded live on February 27, 2010 at the annual Grierson Society Winter Ball, a fund-raising dinner for the Grierson Days reenactment and the restoration of the Grierson Monument at East Cemetary in Jacksonville, IL.

This special concert was made possible through the research and friendly cooperatoin of musicologist and Grierson scholar Dr. Laverne Wagner of Quincy, Illinois.

Note: These recordings are for private use only. Written permission from the Vintage Brass Band is required for any other purpose including commercial use or public broadcast.  Please use the Contact Us link to request permission.

Victoria Gallop - Vintage Brass Band dir. Todd Cranson

Composed by A.J.R. Connert, Victoria Gallop was one of many popular dance tunes written to commemorate the 1838 coronation of Queen Victoria.  You may notice in the background of these recordings the sound of the Central Illinois Civil War Dance Society and others dancing!

Jenny Lind Polka - Vintage Brass Band dir. Todd Cranson

It is no surprise that this popular dancing tune was included in Grierson’s books. During her tour of the United States in 1850 through 1851, Jenny Lind gave six performances in St. Louis, Missouri. Benjamin Grierson made an extraordinary effort and incurred great expense when he travelled down the River to attend all six performances.

Medley: Woodman, Spare That Tree, Unidentified and Bowl'd Sojer Boy - Vintage Brass Band dir. Todd Cranson

Possibly arranged by Grierson himself, this medley contains three popular tunes, the second of which has not been identified. Please contact us if you are familiar with this melody!

Polka - Vintage Brass Band dir. Todd Cranson

This polka was found in Grierson’s books dating back to his youth in Youngstown Ohio. It is very typical of popular dance music of the time.

LaFayettes Welcome dir. Todd Cranson

General Lafayette of France made an important contribution to the Revolutionay War. Arthur Clifton penned this work to celebrate Lafayette’s return visit to the United States in 1824.

Bellini Medley - Vintage Brass Band dir. Todd Cranson

The inclusion of works from Italian Opera composer Vincenzo Bellini is an indication that Grierson’s band was rather sophisticated for its time.