1902 Up in a Swing – Reverie by R.A. Montaine | Century Edition

Up in a Swing Belle Époque Reverie with Edwardian Garden Illustration

Originally composed in 1902 by R.A. Montaine, Up in a Swing (Reverie) is a lyrical piano solo typical of light parlor music of the era. Excellent vintage condition with only minimal small edge tears. Clean and very displayable.

The cover illustration is the true highlight: a young woman in a flowing white lawn dress and wide-brimmed hat swings gently beneath leafy branches. Executed in a mixed-media style combining ink detailing with watercolor wash, the composition captures the romantic garden imagery so popular in Edwardian publishing.

The Century Certified Edition emblem printed on the upper right corner suggests this copy was likely issued during Century Music Publishing Company’s rebranding period in the mid-1910s. Century was active roughly from 1890 through 1920 and was known for attractive illustrated covers designed to appeal to the home pianist.

Little biographical information survives regarding R.A. Montaine, whose works were primarily piano compositions published between 1895 and 1915. Montaine may have been a house composer or pseudonym used by the publisher.