When was music about cats popular? - briefly
Music about cats has been popular in various forms and eras throughout history. One notable example is "The Owl and the Pussycat" by Edward Lear, published in 1871, which became an enduring nursery rhyme.
When was music about cats popular? - in detail
Music about cats has enjoyed periods of popularity throughout history, with notable peaks in the Victorian era and the mid-20th century. During the Victorian era (1837-1901), cats became a popular subject for art and literature, reflecting the growing sentimentality towards pets that was prevalent during this time. This trend extended to music as well, with composers creating pieces inspired by feline themes.
One of the most notable examples is "The Cat Duet" by Robert Lucas Pearsall (1795-1856), a piece that humorously depicts a cat fight. Another example is the song "Kitty Well" from the American Civil War era, which tells the story of a soldier's faithful cat waiting for him to return home. These pieces reflect the growing appreciation for cats as beloved companions during this period.
The mid-20th century saw another resurgence in music about cats, driven by popular culture and media. The 1957 Broadway musical "The Cat and the Fiddle" is a notable example, with its catchy tunes and cat-themed storyline. Additionally, the 1981 Andrew Lloyd Webber musical "Cats," based on T.S. Eliot's poetry collection "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," became a global sensation, further popularizing feline themes in music.
More recently, the internet has played a significant role in reviving interest in cat-themed music. Viral videos and memes featuring cats have inspired numerous songs and parodies, showcasing the enduring appeal of felines in popular culture. Overall, while the popularity of music about cats has ebbed and flowed over time, it remains a timeless theme that continues to captivate audiences across different eras and genres.