To Anacreon in Heaven

"The Anacreontic Song", also known by its incipit "To Anacreon in Heaven", was the official song of the Anacreontic Society, an 18th-century gentlemen's club of amateur musicians in London. Attributed to the composer John Stafford Smith, the tune was later used by several writers as a setting for their patriotic lyrics. These included two songs by Francis Scott Key, most famously his poem, "Defence of Fort McHenry". The latter combination became known as "The Star-Spangled Banner" and was adopted as the national anthem of the United States of America, in 1931.

Read more about To Anacreon In Heaven:  Composition, "The Star-Spangled Banner"

Famous quotes containing the word heaven:

    These are thy wonders, Lord of power,
    Killing and quickning, bringing down to hell
    And up to heaven in an houre;
    Making a chiming of a passing-bell.
    George Herbert (1593–1633)