Hidden in Plain Sight: Musical Treasures in the Penn Library Curated by Marjorie Hassen Otto E. Albrecht Music Library University of Pennsylvania

Francis Johnson, 1792-1844 Francis Johnson, 1792-1844 Favorite Waltz, or Spanish Dance; Favorite hop waltz arranged for the piano "for Mrs. J. Reed" Autograph Manuscript, ca. 1830 In: Keffer Collection of Music Manuscripts Ms. Coll. 126, no. 10 Frank Johnson was a pioneer African-American composer and bandmaster whose prolific output exceeded 300 pieces, including salon music, sentimental ballads, marches, quadrilles, and the music played by his band. Born in Martinique, Johnson moved to Philadelphia around 1809 and first came to widespread public notice in 1818 when George Willig published his Collection of New Cottillions. By the following year Johnson was well-known in Philadelphia as a leader of a dance orchestra. His band shared the stage with eminent white artists, which was unprecedented for a black group at that time. He was also the first black American composer to have works published as sheet music, the first black American to give public concerts, and the first American, black or white, to present concerts abroad, during his 1837 tour of England in conjunction with Queen Victoria's ascent to the throne. He is also credited with introducing the concept of the "promenade concert" to the United States, a practice he came to know during his tour of England.

Table of Contents Introduction Manuscript Collections: Institutions Manuscript Collections: Individuals Sheet Music Images Conducting Scores Music Manuscripts: 15th-18th Centuries Music Manuscripts: 19th & 20th Centuries Landmarks of Music Theory