Annotation:Handsome Louise
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HANDSOME LOUISE. American (?), Air (6/8 time). F Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). ABB. The melody, probably German in origin, was introduced by The Rainer Family, who concertized in America in the early 1840's, singing Tyrolese melodies. The song was published in Boston in 1841 (arranged by Friedrich F. Muller).
The troupe is one of two German singing groups (the other being the Strasser Family) who are credited with popularizing the Christmas carol "Stille Nacht! Heilige Nacht!/Silent Night! Holy Night!" in America.
Source for notated version:
Printed sources: Saunders (New and Complete Instructor for the Violin), Boston, 1847; No. 56, p. 35.
Recorded sources: