Happy Birthday!

Ludwig van Beethoven

born 12/16/1770
(d.3/26/1827)

Beethoven is best noted for his hack but competent treatment of Scottish & Irish folk songs for the Edinburgh upscale book publisher, George Thomson in A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs for the voice,, 1818. Mr. van B. published it himself as Twenty-five Scottish Songs, opus 108. It's interesting that No. 20, "Faithfu' Johnie" continues in both lieder and folk traditions, but I think the Dransfields sing it better than the opera voices.

          When will you come again, my faithful Johnny,
          When will you come again, my faithful Johnny?
          When the corn is gathered, when the leaves are withered,
          I will come again, my sweet and bonnie, I will come again.
  
          "Faithful Johnny" on Lord of All I Be-hold (Also Dyer-Bennett, Redpath, etc.)

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