The Lyrics of Gordon Johnstone

Written By Mark Stickney

Enjoy this live performance of music with lyrics by Gordon Johnstone. Johnstone’s real name was Joseph Sweeney, who was born in Newport, Rhode Island in 1876. You can read more about his life here.

 
 
 
 

I Had A Dream That Ireland Was Free was composed in 1917. Johnstone’s lyrics were set to music by Samuel S. Krams.

Hear tenor Eric Fennell and pianist Brian Moll perform this live at Rosecliff Mansion in Newport. The video is courtesy of the Preservation Society of Newport County.

 
 
 

Christ in Flanders was composed in 1919. Johnstone’s poem was set to music by Ward Stephens.

Hear soprano Krista Wilhelmsen, tenor Eric Fennell, and pianist Brian Moll perform this song live at Rosecliff. This video is courtesy of the Preservation Society of Newport County.

Mark Stickney
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