Stephen C. Foster (1826-1864): "Beautiful Dreamer", 1864 This is one of the last songs that Stephen Foster ever wrote, published posthumously after his early death in 1864. My arrangement for mandolin quartet (two mandolins, tenor guitar and mandocello) is in the key of D major. This is such a pretty melody, and really enjoyable to play on mandolin. 1898 Giuseppe Vinaccia mandolin (x2) Vintage Viaten tenor guitar Suzuki MC-815 mandocello Martin
This is such a pretty melody, and really enjoyable to play ... … and to listen to
Thanks, Frithjof! I've now also posted a PDF of my arrangement here. Martin
Thanks and thanks for the pdf.
Very pretty Martin. I enjoyed that.
Beautiful Dreamer has long been a favorite of mine. Thanks so much for sharing your pdf and your playing. Your orchestrations are always inspiring. My trio will have to put this in our rotation.
This is a different and more stripped-down arrangement of this Stephen Foster song from my previous recording made last year. Source: http://www.kstez.de/Beautiful_Dreamer__Foster_USA_.pdf Mid-Missouri M-0W mandolin Vintage Viaten tenor guitar Martin
It sounds beautiful, too, in your simpler version.
Two lovely versions, Martin. I missed your first one back in December 2019.
Yes, lovely versions Martin, thanks.
Very pretty, clear and melodic. I like this version, it sounds more emotional.
Thanks, Ginny. Playing the tune on solo mandolin first gives more leeway for expression -- it's a more enjoyable recording experience this way, and I think also in most instances more musical as long as the arrangement isn't too complex. Martin
I really like your second version, Martin, that's the way the tune is supposed to sound. I found an arrangement in the New Orleans jambook: http://cjam.lassecollin.se/songs/beautifuldreamer.html It's in 4/4 time, so Jazzers can apply their 4/4 licks without thinking in 9/8.
Thanks, Christian. That is very nicely played and sounds great. Recasting the tune to 4/4 warps my mind, though -- the phrasing is so different! Martin
Christian, the visuals make me think more of a nightmare than a beautiful dreamer! I like the fact that you have put the tune into 4/4 time as a change from the more usual waltz or compound time. Fine balance of backing and melody again from you.
