Subject: Romanticism

This item is sheet music for the song "She walks in beauty," from the collection "Hebrew Melodies." The words were written by Lord Byron, and the music was arranged by I. Braham and I. Nathan. It was published in New York by W. Dubois in 1815. The item features musical notation, lyrics, and an ornate title for "Hebrew Melodies," with prominent text attributing the words to Lord Byron and music arrangement to I. Braham & I. Nathan. This piece is part of a collaboration where composer Isaac Nathan (who initially studied to be a rabbi) and Lord Byron produced a collection of songs. Nathan claimed the tunes were derived from ancient Jewish temple music, though many were European folk songs adapted for synagogue services. The "I. Braham" credited is John Braham, a popular Jewish singer of the time, who allegedly lent his name for half the profits. The publication generated some backlash for Byron due to the period's prejudice against Jewish people. Notably, "She walks in beauty" was written by Byron prior to this collaboration, inspired by Mrs. Anne Beatrix Wilmot, and has no explicit connection to Judaism or Jewish themes. The document shows signs of age.