nscribed on December 26, 1916, by the composer "To my dear friend Miss Natalie Curtis one of the very first to see in this simple tune the possibilities of [illegible] treatment and development. "
Two Black Composers: R. Nathaniel Dett and J. Rosamond Johnson
nscribed on August 12, 1919, by the composer "To my friends Mr. and Mrs. Paul Burlin Yea"the birds chirping did herald the dawn." Dare I say the sun begins to rise? But though the day be not fair, I know it will be welcomed by you who have worked so hard that such things might be."
Another copy of the same; inscribed by the composer on December 26 of the following year "To my dear friend and inspirer Miss Natalie Curtis in artistic appreciation of her noble endeavors for the music of the unappreciated races. Sincerely and gratefully . . . ."
Burlin, Natalie Curtis (1875-1921)
Natalie Curtis aborted a possible career as a concert pianist to study Native American music and languages, her major publication being The Indians’ Book (1907). After 1910 she took an active interest in developing music and music education for African Americans. In 1917 she married artist Paul Burlin. She was killed by an automobile in Paris while there to give a lecture in 1921. All the works shown were presented to her by the composers.




