Robert Greenberg

Historian, Composer, Pianist, Speaker, Author

Dr. Bob Prescribes “Variations on Happy Birthday”

Variations on Happy Birthday: In Tribute to Eugene Ormandy, January 24, 1970
Variations on Happy Birthday: In Tribute to Eugene Ormandy, January 24, 1970

Monday’s Music History Monday post marked the birth, on June 27, 1859, of Mildred Jane Hill, who wrote the music to Happy Birthday to You. Thus, today’s Happy Birthday to You-themed Dr. Bob Prescribes post!

The “Book”

I have not a clue as to where or when I bought (or was given) the book that is the prescribed item for today’s post. I’ve had it for as long as I can remember, which means I had it before I moved to California in 1978. There is no price scribbled on its title page, so it’s unlikely that I bought it used. It might – might – have been given to me by my composition teacher Edward T. Cone when I graduated Princeton in 1976; I just don’t remember.

Whatever; here’s what “it” is. It is a souvenir of a concert and ball held at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music on January 24, 1970. The festivities marked three events: the 113th anniversary of the Academy of Music, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the 70th birthday of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s long-time music director, Eugene Ormandy (1889-1985).…

See the full post — and more — only on Patreon!

Become a Patron!
 

Robert Greenberg Courses On Sale Now