New Hampshire as Locus Amoenus
Created | Updated Apr 1, 2018
New Hampshire as Locus Amoenus
Locus amoenus (Latin for 'pleasant place') is a literary topos involving an idealized place of safety or comfort.
W*k*p*d**
Since this month's Create topic involves pleasant places, we thought we'd introduce you to the concept of the locus amoenus. This week's paean to the glories of Old New Hampshire comes from a piece of 1906 sheet music we stumbled across on archive.org. The lyrics are by Robert F Roden and the score is by J Fred Helf. Roden also penned 'My Little Georgia Rose' and the no-doubt poignant 'The Biggest Thing in a Soldier's Life (is the letter that comes from home)'. Helf, composer of over 100 songs, including the 1898 heartbreaker 'Please Mr. Conductor Don't Put Me Off the Train'1, was born in Kentucky. Helf's amazing career was cut short at the age of 45, a clear loss to music posterity.
This score, which is here reproduced in full for our keyboardists and vocalists to practice – remember, we want your videos! – can be enjoyed in all its glory on Youtube.
archive.org's curators appear to be aware of the sometimes dodgy nature of older pop culture. They've included this caveat:
Some of these resources may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes. Such materials should be seen in the context of the time period and as a reflection of attitudes of the time. The items are part of the historical record, and do not represent the views of the library or the institution.
We are warned. But we think this one's pretty safe, except for those of refined musical tastes. We add the warning that after J Fred Helf, you may decide that you prefer rap music.
