Augusta Browne facts for kids

Augusta Browne (1820–1882) was an important American composer. She became famous in the 1850s. She was one of the first successful female composers in the United States. Augusta Browne wrote more music than any other woman in her time. Her song Wake, Lady Mine, written in 1845, is one of her most well-known pieces.

Augusta Browne's Life and Music

Augusta Browne Garrett was a talented woman. She was a composer, a publisher, and an author. She was a true pioneer because men usually held these jobs back then. She was born in 1820 in Dublin, Ireland. People remember her as the woman who wrote the most music in America before 1870.

Her Many Musical Works

Augusta Browne wrote over 200 pieces of music. These included songs for piano and voice. She also wrote many hymns (church songs) and other non-religious songs. She wanted to create music that many people could enjoy. She often worked with other musicians. She would write the music to go with lyrics (words) written by her partners.

A Respected Writer

Besides music, Augusta Browne was also a respected writer. She published many articles and journals. She wrote two books. One book was about her brother, called Hamilton, the Young Artist. She also wrote many essays, religious writings, poetry, and short stories. Augusta Browne was very strong in her beliefs. She was brave enough to share opinions that were not popular at the time.

Standing Up for Her Beliefs

One of her most famous articles criticized "minstrel music." This was a popular type of music in the mid-1800s. She called it "melodic trash." This was a very bold thing to say back then. Even so, her article was printed in several music magazines. This was a big achievement for a woman at that time. Augusta Browne helped show what women could achieve in music and art.

Augusta Browne is buried in New York’s Green-Wood Cemetery.

Images for kids

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  Lady Augusta Browne, 1860s