The Practitioners of Musick announce a collaborative involvement with both National and New Jersey State Committee’s charged with supporting in myriad educational endeavors, especially for children in the classroom , the American Friends of Lafayette celebrations that are attendant in observing the Bicentennial of the fourth and last visit to the United States in 1824/25 of the American Revolutionary War hero the Marquis de Lafayette.
Lafayette upon accepting the invitation of President James Monroe to be the “Nation’s Guest’ on the near 50th anniversary of the events associated with the Revolutionary War [April 19, 1775 “with the shot heard round the world “ to the signing of the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783] made his triumphal return trip to America.
At many stops on his extensive itinerary, that included Princeton and Trenton, the Marquis was regaled with celebratory verse, toasts, songs, marches and other instrumental works. In addition, Lafayette was often lavishly feted & entertained at Balls and other “choice and select” Dance Assembly venues.
The Practitioners of Musick archive includes several original [1824 ] editions of plate printed compositions including the “Pennsylvania La Fayette March” by Mr. Taws and “Come Honor the Brave “ by Mr. W. Strickland
dedicated in honor of and as heard by Lafayette in Philadelphia .
The Practitioners archive also includes a rare setting [in two parts ] of “General La Fayette’s Quick Step “ as found in a circa 1805-1815 manuscript compiled most likely in New England. The melody in circulation in America undoubtedly referring to the role Lafayette, as a senior officer and confidant of General George Washington, played in the military success of the American War of Independence.
The American Friends of Lafayette is an historical and patriotic society dedicated to the memory of Major General Gilbert Motier, Marquis de Lafayette and to his life and times in America and France. The AFL recognizes the ideals of this great French visionary leader, the inspirational quality of his remarkable career, his contributions to our own struggle for liberty, and his ceaseless efforts to forge a lasting bond of friendship between the United States of America and the Republic of France.
The American Friends of Lafayette is thrilled to announce the upcoming thirteen-month bicentennial celebration of Maior General Lafayette’s triumphant return tour to America!