Justin Holland (1819-1887), was a civil-rights activist, moving around the same circles as Frederic Douglass. He worked with whites to free slaves in the Underground Railroad. Oh yeah, and he also played a mean guitar.
He became nationally known for his guitar method books – his approach to teaching was considered very conservative for the time (sorry, hippies; I guess he was a square). And, while not a composer himself, he was famous for arranging famous works of other composers, including this one, which includes some popular tunes from Carl Maria von Weber‘s opera, Oberon.
You could celebrate the day by listening to the first two acts of Giacomo Puccini‘s La bohème. So much love, so much emotion …
On the other hand, if you’re single this Valentine’s Day (and indeed, many refer to this day as S.A.D. – Singles Awareness Day), you can enjoy the final act of this opera instead. It’s full of betrayal, misery, death – you know, the good stuff.
But for now we’ll stick with those who are celebrating the day and listen to this orgasmic duet.
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