Natalie Townsend facts for kids
Natalie Hannau Townsend (born 1866, died 1962) was an American composer. She was also famous for hosting musical events called "musicales." These events took place in Washington, D.C. Sometimes, her music was published under the name Madame Lawrence Townsend. Some records also list her as Pearl Dea Etta Townsend.
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Natalie Townsend's Early Life
Natalie Townsend was born in France. Her parents were American. She moved to the United States in 1881. In 1886, she married Lawrence Townsend. He later became an American minister to Belgium. This job is like an ambassador. He served there from 1899 to 1905. Natalie and Lawrence had three children. Their names were Yvonne, Lawrence Jr., and Reginald. Natalie also studied singing. Her teachers were Jean de Reszke and Burton Thatcher.
Hosting Musicales: A Love for Music
After returning from Belgium, the Townsend family lived in Washington, D.C. Natalie loved music and organized many special concerts. These were called "musicales." She hosted at least 123 musicales over 19 years. They took place at the Mayflower Hotel and in private homes. Many famous musicians performed at her musicales. Some of these artists included Mario Basiola, Lucrezia Bori, Beniamino Gigli, Myra Hess, José Iturbi, Lotte Lehmann, Lauritz Melchior, Grace Moore, and Rosa Ponsell. The programs from Natalie Townsend's musicales are kept safe. You can find them at the Library of Congress.
Natalie Townsend's Compositions
Natalie Townsend wrote many pieces of music. Her music was published by companies like Chappell & Co. and G. Schirmer, Inc. Her music was also recorded. Some of her recordings can be found on labels like Columbia and Victor.
Chamber Music
- Berceuse, opus 9 (for violin and piano)
Piano Music
- Aubade Printaniere (Chattering Birds) (for one or two pianos)
- Sandringham March
Vocal Music
- Belgium Forever! (words by Yvonne Townsend)
- Forward, Belgium
- Petite Pensee
- Spanish Girl's Love Song (words by Helen Huntington)
- Spirit of Liberty: A Patriotic Marching Song (words by Yvonne Townsend)
- Thought of You (words by Helen Huntington)
- Two French Songs (words by Victor Hugo and L. Montenaken)
- Vous!...Toi! (words by Arturo Fabricotti)
Later Life
The Townsends also had a home in St. Petersburg, Florida. Natalie Townsend passed away there in 1962.
Download free sheet music for Berceuse opus 9 by Natalie Townsend
