Harriet Maitland Young facts for kids
Harriet Maitland Young was a talented British composer who lived from 1838 to 1923. She wrote many different kinds of music, including songs, operettas, and instrumental pieces. An operetta is like a short, light opera, often with spoken parts and catchy tunes.
One of her operettas, An Artist's Proof, was performed in Brighton, England, on February 4, 1882. Another one of her popular operettas, The Queen of Hearts, was performed in Dartford, England, in 1888.
What is an Operetta?
An operetta is a type of musical play that is shorter and lighter than a full opera. It often has funny stories, spoken conversations, and catchy songs that are easy to remember. Operettas are usually less serious than operas and are meant to entertain and amuse the audience.
Her Musical Works
Harriet Maitland Young created a variety of musical pieces during her life. She was known for her operettas, but she also wrote many beautiful songs and other instrumental music.
Operettas
These are the musical plays that Harriet Maitland Young composed:
- An Artist's Proof (first performed in 1882)
- (The) Holy Branch (sometimes called The Holly Branch)
- Queen of Hearts (first performed in 1888)
- When One Door Shuts
Songs and Other Music
Harriet Maitland Young also wrote many individual songs and pieces for instruments. Some of her vocal works include:
- Ah! Si Vous Saviez
- Bella Pescatorina
- Golden Days and Silvery Nights
- In Sunny Spain (this was written for a women's choir and piano)
- La Mia Bella
- Lullaby (a soothing song for voice and cello)
- Out of Reach
- Secret is My Own
- Where the Roses Are (a song for two singers, called a duet)
Her Life and Legacy
Harriet Maitland Young spent her life creating music that brought joy to many. She was an important British composer of her time. After her passing in 1923, she was buried in Camden, London, England. Her music continues to be a part of British musical history.
