Long, Long Ago is a typical example of the early 19th century American “parlor song,” with its simple, singable melody, and nostalgic emphasis on separation and longing. It was extremely popular when it was first published in 1843, one year before Stephen Foster published his first piece. This new setting preserves the wistful, nostalgic mood of the original song, but casts it in a more modern musical idiom.
Part of Dan’s ongoing “Folk Songs of America” song cycle, this piece was commissioned by the Florida State University Singers.
Tags: American, Folk Songs of America
Instrumentation: Piano