Concert Variations on "The Star-Spangled Banner", Op. 23

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.

"Concert Variations on 'The Star-Spangled Banner', Op. 23" was published in 1868 by G. Schirmer. It is dedicated: "To his friend Eugene Thayer."

Whitney Eugene Thayer (1838-1889) was one of the most significant American organists of the day. Founded solidly in the Germanic tradition, he left a number of significant organ works. Sadly, he is probably most remembered for taking his own life in June of 1889.

These variations show Buck's ingenuity and virtuosity in concept and execution. As with many of Buck's works, the style is an amalgamation of American, English and Germanic.

The score is attached below, as well as photos of Dudley Buck, his signature, and one of Eugene Thayer, the dedicatee.

For those interested, I have given a personal note in the First Comment.

God Bless America!