‘In the Sweet By-and-By’

Now a standard in church hymnals, the gentle song was written by Sanford Fillmore Bennett to comfort his friend and songwriting partner.
‘In the Sweet By-and-By’
"Aminta's Lament," between 1614 and 1615, by Bartolomeo Cavarozz. What began as a musical exercise to comfort a friend remains an integral part of hymnals throughout America. Public Domain
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When composer Joseph P. Webster (1819–75) arrived at Sanford Fillmore Bennett’s (1836–98) office, Bennett could tell right away that his friend had a lot on his mind. The two were songwriting partners, and the artistic relationship created a special bond.

Bennett once described what he’d do on Webster’s melancholy days:
Rebecca Day
Rebecca Day
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Rebecca Day is a freelance writer and independent musician. For more information on her music and writing, visit her Substack, Classically Cultured, at classicallycultured.substack.com