"Minstrelsy was, arguably, romantic.  Converse published more romantic compositions than Farland."

"To add to Jody's and Joel's comments-- 1. I think it's a mistake to assume that because Farland wrote and performed some "romantic" (in the classical/art music sense) stuff, that's what he intended…"

"What? He connected with sentimental Americana? That argument doesn't really make sense against my point"

"“Hated minstrelsy” also: https://archive.org/details/my-old-kentucky-home-varied-with-piano-alfred-a.-farland"

"He also saw a great artistry in banjo playing."

"I'll give you a few reasons why I think Farland is a closeted romantic:  1.) he transcribed a bunch of romantic music  2.) hated minstrelsy 3.) advocated for respect for a mocked instrument"

"Sometimes it helps to read the instruction part of the instruction book:"

"The “tempo” is in the title… “polka”. There were often no tempo markings because if you were alive when this stuff was published you would already have a good idea of the tempo that goes with the type of…"

"I am dubious about your claim(s).  Perhaps you have a genuine insight into Farland's musicality. It would further your cause if you presented your ideas in compete sentences and offered corroborating evidence that support your clearly…"

"1. There seems to be a misunderstanding of 19th century notation.  It was common to use the fermata symbol in the place of fine.  So with Farland’s tutor. And pretty much anytime you see this on the double bar of the first part with…"

"Basically Farland was a romantic dressed up like a standard American banjoist. You can tell by the way he writes for the banjo rests, no tempo markings, fermatas at the end of every section. Think Chopin rather than Converse. "

"I am also unsure what this and the previous recording are about. If Farland didn't intend for it to be played like a polka (which refers to a particular combination of form, meter, and tempo), then he wouldn't have called it a polka. If…"

"Please can you explain what you mean?"

"I look forward to hearing it."

"That could be cool, a straight polka is what the disguise is for this. Classic romantic ideals wrapped up in Americana packaging. "