The music of a Connecticut composer who wrote some of the biggest hits of the 1850s, 1860s and 1870s will be performed at a special program at the Seymour Historical Society on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m.
Rick Spencer, accompanying himself on guitar and banjo, will play the songs of Henry Clay Work, a native of Middletown. A contemporary of the legendary Stephen Foster, Work wrote a number of Civil War-themed songs, such as “Marching Through Georgia.” Other well-known compositions include “Grandfather’s Clock” and “The Ship That Never Returned.” Work’s songs were popular in minstrel shows of the 19th century, later appeared in movies, and are still sung today. In addition to his performance, Spencer will also talk about Work’s life and discuss the challenges of presenting music of the 1860s in a modern era of “political correctness.”
The Seymour Historical Society is located at 59 West Street, near the Trinity Episcopal Church. There is no charge for the program, though donations will be gratefully accepted. Doors open at 1 p.m. for those wishing to view the museum’s exhibits. For more information, call 203 – 881-2156 or e‑mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
