To Anacreon in Heaven facts for kids

To Anacreon in Heaven, also known as the Anacreontic Song, is a very old tune with an interesting history. It was first written by a British composer named John Stafford Smith, who lived from 1750 to 1836. This song was once used by a special home for children without parents in Ireland. Later, it became a popular song sung at social gatherings in England.

What is "To Anacreon in Heaven"?

The song was the official tune for a club in London called the Anacreontics. This club was named after an ancient Greek poet named Anacreon. The song was well-known in pubs and other places where people gathered.

Who Wrote the Music?

The music for "To Anacreon in Heaven" was composed by John Stafford Smith. He was a talented musician from Britain. He created the tune that would later become famous around the world.

From Club Song to National Anthem

Even though "To Anacreon in Heaven" was a popular social song, it is not sung much today. However, its tune is still very famous. This is because an American named Francis Scott Key used the music for his poem, which became the song The Star-Spangled Banner. Today, "The Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem of the United States. Most Americans know this tune as their country's official song.

Images for kids

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  Portrait of John Stafford Smith, around 1820

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  Beginning of the Canon "O Remember" by John Stafford Smith. It "gain'd a Prize Medal" from the London Catch Club in 1773.

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  First page of the song as published in The Vocal Enchantress (1783)

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  First known publication of the lyrics of "The Anacreontic Song", from The Vocal magazine, 1778. The reference to "Rowley's" was removed in later versions.

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  Detail from the first sheet music publication of "The Star Spangled Banner" (Thomas Carr, 1814). Note the F sharp in the melody.

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  A bust of Anacreon

See also

In Spanish: A Anacreonte en el cielo para niños