Music & Musical Instruments

The Museum's music collections contain more than 5,000 instruments of American and European heritage. These include a quartet of 18th-century Stradivari stringed instruments, Tito Puente's autographed timbales, and the Yellow Cloud guitar that belonged to Prince, to name only a few. Music collections also include jukeboxes and synthesizers, square-dancing outfits and sheet music, archival materials, oral histories, and recordings of performances at the museum. The vast Sam DeVincent Collection of Illustrated Sheet Music is a remarkable window into the American past in words, music, and visual imagery. The Duke Ellington and Ruth Ellington Boatwright collections contain handwritten music compositions, sound recordings, business records, and other materials documenting the career of this renowned musician. In various ways, our collections find expression in performances of the Smithsonian Chamber Players, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and in other public programs.

This sheet music is for the song “The Troubles of the Reuben and the Maid.” The lyrics were written by J. Cheever Goodwin and the music was composed by Maurice Levi. The sheet music was published by The Rogers Brothers Music Publishing Company in 1902.
Description (Brief)
This sheet music is for the song “The Troubles of the Reuben and the Maid.” The lyrics were written by J. Cheever Goodwin and the music was composed by Maurice Levi. The sheet music was published by The Rogers Brothers Music Publishing Company in 1902. The cover features inset illustrations from the song, and the cover is signed by Starmer. The tune came from the musical farce “The Rogers Brothers in Harvard” that was created by John J. McNally.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1902
lyricist
Goodwin, J. Cheever
composer
Levi, Maurice
publisher
Rogers Brothers
ID Number
1983.0424.051
accession number
1983.0424
catalog number
1983.0424.051
This sheet music is for the song "I Shoomit I Goodie," arranged by Louis Friedsell. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1921. The cover features an image of conductor and composer Louis Friedsell (1863 or 1865 - 1923).Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song "I Shoomit I Goodie," arranged by Louis Friedsell. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1921. The cover features an image of conductor and composer Louis Friedsell (1863 or 1865 - 1923).
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1921
arranger
Friedsell, Louis
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.28
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.28
This sheet music is for the song "A Geruss Fun Der Heim," with music by Joseph M. Rumshinsky and lyrics by Boris Thomashefsky. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1916.
Description
This sheet music is for the song "A Geruss Fun Der Heim," with music by Joseph M. Rumshinsky and lyrics by Boris Thomashefsky. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1916. This song was featured in the operetta Zubrochene Fiedele [The Broken Violin], by Boris Thomashevsky (1866-1939), whose image is on the cover on the cover. As indicated on the cover, this song was performed by vocalist David Medoff.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1916
composer
Rumshinsky, Joseph M.
lyricist
Thomashefsky, Boris
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.18
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.18
This sheet music entitled "Two Marches from Blihmele and Kusri," was by Sigmund Mogulesko [also spelled Mogulesco] and arranged for violin by A. Hellman. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1898, and licensed to A. Hellman.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music entitled "Two Marches from Blihmele and Kusri," was by Sigmund Mogulesko [also spelled Mogulesco] and arranged for violin by A. Hellman. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1898, and licensed to A. Hellman.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1898
composer; licensee
Hellman, A.
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.05
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.05
This sheet music is for the song "Chantshe in America," with music by Joseph Rumshinsky and lyrics by I. Lillian. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York. The cover features an image of composer Joseph Rumshinsky (1881-1956).Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song "Chantshe in America," with music by Joseph Rumshinsky and lyrics by I. Lillian. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York. The cover features an image of composer Joseph Rumshinsky (1881-1956).
Location
Currently not on view
composer
Rumshinsky, Joseph M.
lyricist
Lillian, I.
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.34
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.34
This sheet music is for the songs"A tenzel mit der mameniu" and "A tenzel noch der goldener yoich," arranged by Louis Friedsell. These songs were published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1920.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the songs"A tenzel mit der mameniu" and "A tenzel noch der goldener yoich," arranged by Louis Friedsell. These songs were published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1920.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1920
arranger
Friedsell, Louis
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.22
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.22
This sheet music is for the song "Yudishe Kazatzke," by Joseph M. Rumshinsky. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1920.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song "Yudishe Kazatzke," by Joseph M. Rumshinsky. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1920.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1920
composer
Rumshinsky, Joseph M.
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.25
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.25
This sheet music is for "Music from King Solomon, Volume III," composed by Sigmund Mogulesko, and arranged for piano by Henry A. Russotto. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in Brooklyn, New York, in 1903.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for "Music from King Solomon, Volume III," composed by Sigmund Mogulesko, and arranged for piano by Henry A. Russotto. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in Brooklyn, New York, in 1903.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1903
composer
Mogulesko, Sigmund
arranger
Russotto, Henry A.
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.08
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.08
This sheet music is for the song "As Ich Hob Kein Masal," by Solomon Small [Smulewitz] and arranged by Louis Friedsel. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1921.
Description
This sheet music is for the song "As Ich Hob Kein Masal," by Solomon Small [Smulewitz] and arranged by Louis Friedsel. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1921. The cover features an image of composer Solomon Small [Smulewitz] (1868-1943).
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1921
arranger
Friedsell, Louis
composer
Small, Solomon
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.31
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.31
This sheet music is for the songs "Sol A Mol Shoin Sholem Sain" and "As Ich Hob Kein Masel," by Solomon Small and arranged by Louis Friedsell. These were published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1921.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the songs "Sol A Mol Shoin Sholem Sain" and "As Ich Hob Kein Masel," by Solomon Small and arranged by Louis Friedsell. These were published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1921.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1921
arranger
Friedsell, Louis
composer
Small, Solomon
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.26
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.26
Thi sheet music is for the song "Seven Boarders," by Solomon Small [Smulewitz] and arranged by Joseph M. Rumshinsky. It was publishing by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1917. The cover features an image of composer and conductor Joseph M.
Description
Thi sheet music is for the song "Seven Boarders," by Solomon Small [Smulewitz] and arranged by Joseph M. Rumshinsky. It was publishing by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1917. The cover features an image of composer and conductor Joseph M. Rumshinsky (1881-1956).
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1917
arranger
Rumshinsky, Joseph M.
composer
Small, Solomon
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.19
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.19
This song folio Mogulesco's for Violin, was arranged by H.A. Russotto and licensed to Katsenelenbagen & Rabinowitz. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1898.
Description
This song folio Mogulesco's for Violin, was arranged by H.A. Russotto and licensed to Katsenelenbagen & Rabinowitz. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1898. Titles include "March from the Opera;" "Das Liebele;" "Min Hameitzar;" "Eliesers Kinderleid." [titles in Yiddish] Sigmund Mogulesko [also spelled Mogulesco] (1858-1914) was a singer, actor, and composer in the Yiddish Theater in New York City.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1898
licensee
Katzenelenbogen & Rabinowitz Company
arranger
Russotto, Henry A.
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.02
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.02
This sheet music is for the song "Dem Rabins Tfile," by Louis Friedsell. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1920.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song "Dem Rabins Tfile," by Louis Friedsell. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1920.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1920
composer
Friedsell, Louis
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.23
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.23
This sheet music is for the song "Der Rebi Hot Geheisen Frehlich Zein," arranged by Joseph M.Rumshinsky. It was publoshed by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1912.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song "Der Rebi Hot Geheisen Frehlich Zein," arranged by Joseph M.Rumshinsky. It was publoshed by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1912.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1912
arranger
Rumshinsky, Joseph M.
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.10
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.10
"Hepet Mechutonium," by Louis Friedsell. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1920.Currently not on view
Description
"Hepet Mechutonium," by Louis Friedsell. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1920.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1920
composer
Friedsell, Louis
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.24
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.24
This sheet music is for the song "Oo Sosida Khata Bila," arranged by Louis Friedsell. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1921.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song "Oo Sosida Khata Bila," arranged by Louis Friedsell. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1921.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1921
arranger
Friedsell, Louis
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.30
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.30
This sheet music is for the song "A Chaver in Leben," by David Meyerowitz and arranged by Henry A. Russotto. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1917. The cover features images of Henry A.
Description
This sheet music is for the song "A Chaver in Leben," by David Meyerowitz and arranged by Henry A. Russotto. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1917. The cover features images of Henry A. Russotto and vocalist William Schwartz, who performed this song.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1917
composer
Russotto, Henry A.
lyricist
Meyerowitz, D.
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.20
catalog number
1992.0359.20
accession number
1992.0359
This sheet music is for the piano composition "A Maiden's Prayer," by Joseph M. Rumshinsky. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1912.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the piano composition "A Maiden's Prayer," by Joseph M. Rumshinsky. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1912.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1912
composer
Rumshinsky, Joseph M.
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.12
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.12
This sheet music is for the song "A Brivele Zu Got," by Solomon Small, and arranged for piano by H.A. Russotto. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1913.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song "A Brivele Zu Got," by Solomon Small, and arranged for piano by H.A. Russotto. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1913.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1913
arranger
Russotto, Henry A.
composer
Small, Solomon
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.09
catalog number
1992.0359.09
accession number
1992.0359
This sheet music is for the song "Men Wet Dir Nit Mitgeben in Keiver," with words by A. Shor and music by Joseph Brody. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York.
Description
This sheet music is for the song "Men Wet Dir Nit Mitgeben in Keiver," with words by A. Shor and music by Joseph Brody. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York. The cover features an image of composer and choirmaster Joseph Brody (1877-1937), who was one of the teachers of George Gershwin.
Location
Currently not on view
composer
Brody, Joseph
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.33
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.33
This sheet music is for the songs "Colombus, ich hob zu dir gor ni" and "Ohn a haim," with music by Louis Friedsell and lyrics by D. Meyerowitz. These songs were published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1920.
Description
This sheet music is for the songs "Colombus, ich hob zu dir gor ni" and "Ohn a haim," with music by Louis Friedsell and lyrics by D. Meyerowitz. These songs were published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1920. These songs were featured in the play Die Kraft Fon Natur.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1920
composer; licensee
Friedsell, Louis
lyricist
Meyerowitz, D.
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.21
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.21
This sheet music is for the piano composition "Polonaise (Polish Dance)," by Joseph M. Rumshinsky. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1912.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the piano composition "Polonaise (Polish Dance)," by Joseph M. Rumshinsky. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1912.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1912
composer
Rumshinsky, Joseph M.
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.13
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.13
This sheet music is for the song "A Yidishe Meliche [A Yiddishe M'Luche]," with music by J. Brady and lyrics by Louis Gilrod. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1916.Currently not on view
Description
This sheet music is for the song "A Yidishe Meliche [A Yiddishe M'Luche]," with music by J. Brady and lyrics by Louis Gilrod. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1916.
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1916
composer
Brody, Joseph
lyricist
Gilrod, Louis
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.17
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.17
This music folio is entitled Goldfaden's for Violin, arranged by H.A. Russotto and licensed to Katzeneienbagen & Rabinowitz. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1898.
Description
This music folio is entitled Goldfaden's for Violin, arranged by H.A. Russotto and licensed to Katzeneienbagen & Rabinowitz. It was published by Hebrew Publishing Company in New York, New York, in 1898. Titles include "Jankele Geht in Schul Arain;" "Hashivenu Nasa;" "Steh Auf Mein Volk;" "Schlaf-lied von Akeidas Jitzchok;" "Das Pintele, Judischen Faust;" "Das Gebet-Lied." [titles in Yiddish]
Location
Currently not on view
publishing date
1898
licensee
Katzenelenbogen & Rabinowitz Company
arranger
Russotto, Henry A.
publisher
Hebrew Publishing Company
ID Number
1992.0359.01
accession number
1992.0359
catalog number
1992.0359.01

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.