Studies for the Piano

Studies for the Piano

Frederick Douglass kept a book of piano compositions by Albert Loeschhorn, throughout which he made basic notes, reminding himself to “watch [his] notes”, and so on. The book was a compilation of easy compositions, meant to be used by a beginner piano player.

I believe that the most prominent information that can be derived from the book is the date in which it was published, 1895, which also happened to be the year Frederick Douglass died. This reinforces the idea that Frederick Douglass was a man that continually strove to better himself, both intellectually and culturally, very late into his life. Though this book was published post America’s period of slavery, it was still a time in which African Americans were imposed upon with immense disadvantages and prejudice. Frederick Douglass fought against that grain, proving again and again that African Americans were capable of the same thoughts and talents that Caucasians possessed.

One question that might arise from this artifact is whether or not Frederick Douglass’s talents actually did extend to music. Despite my extensive Google researching, I have found nothing indicating that it did. Perhaps this could be attributed to the fact that Frederick Douglass had discovered his desire to play the piano rather late in his life. Nonetheless, it would be interesting to discover whether or not Frederick Douglass was simply an exceptional writer/orator, or if he was a budding musical virtuoso as well.

2 thoughts on “Studies for the Piano

  1. The first thought that comes to my mind when looking at the date is that it is most likely not Douglass’ book. I would guess that it is one of his children, grandchildren, etc. Also, the hand writing doesn’t look like it is his. The “w” of “watch is so nice and have wide, rounded bottoms, where many of his other “w’s” have small, sharpe edges. This would also explain why there are no recods of his musical interests. However, if it is his, then I would agree with you that it would be because it was so close to his death.

  2. The first thought that comes to my mind when looking at the date is that it is most likely not Douglass’ book. I would guess that it is one of his children, grandchildren, etc. Also, the hand writing doesn’t look like it is his. The “w” of “watch is so nice and have wide, rounded bottoms, where many of his other “w’s” have small, sharpe edges. This would also explain why there are no recods of his musical interests. However, if it is his, then I would agree with you that it would be because it was so close to his death.

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