Variations on Foster's Melody "Old Folks at Home"

Dudley Buck (March 10, 1839 – October 6, 1909) was an American composer, organist, and writer on music. He published several books, most notably the Dictionary of Musical Terms and Influence of the Organ in History, which was published in New York City in 1882. He is best known today for his organ composition, Concert Variations on the Star-Spangled Banner, Op. 23, which was later arranged into an orchestral version.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Buck was the son of a merchant who gave him every opportunity to cultivate his musical talents. After attending Trinity College, he studied in Leipzig at the Leipzig Conservatory where he was a pupil of Louis Plaidy. He then pursued further studies in Dresden and Paris. On returning to America he held positions of organist in Hartford, Chicago, and Boston. In 1875 Buck went to New York City to assist Theodore Thomas as conductor of orchestral concerts, and from 1877 to 1902 was organist at Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn. By this time he had become well known as a composer and virtuoso organist.

Variations on "Old Folks at Home" was published in 1888 by Wm. A Pond, and "Composed for, and dedicated to William Belden, Esg. - New York."

Written 20 years after the "Home, Sweet Home" variations, the stylistic elements are similar, but more developed. It includes an exciting "pedal solo" variation, which is HIGHLY unusual for its day, certainly amongst American organ works.

It seems like these variations may have "marked the way" for some of Buck's larger variation works, but the style and craftsmanship of the bigger works is present in this one.

The text of "Old Folks at Home" is given in the FIRST COMMENT, along with some history surrounding the origins of the words and music.

The score is attached below, several photos of Dudley Buck, and of the composer of the song, Stephen Foster.

Of course the composer of the tune is Foster, BUT if you are a Ralph Kramden fan, you'll that the "real" composer is ED NORTON! :-)