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Barbara C. Johnson collection of Malayalam Jewish songs from Kerala, India, circa 1970s (inclusive)

Extent:

0.4 linear_foot (1 box)

Abstract:

The Jewish women of Cochin have been singing Jewish songs in the Malayalam language of Kerala, their ancient homeland on the tropical southwest coast of India for centuries. This collection consists of seven manuscripts (six are photocopies) of collections of Jewish songs (in the sense of "poems") from Kerala, India, chiefly written in Old Malayalam, that were salvaged through cooperation between older Kochini women and outside scholars.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Frank Weise collection of Helen Weiss papers, circa 1940-1948, 1966 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.5 linear feet (3 boxes)

Abstract:

Helen Weiss (1920-1948) was a Philadelphia composer and musician who worked in South America teaching and performing music. This collection documents the last eight years of Helen Weiss's life through letters to her brother, Frank; her educational and musical achievements; and recordings of her work; as well as her legacy as a musician after her death at age 28.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Morris Osborn collection of Bonnee Hoy material, circa 1970-1979 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.1 linear_foot (1 box and i oversized folder)

Abstract:

This small collection contains materials by or about Bonnee Hoy, a Philadelphia area-based musician and composer. Included are Hoy's curriculum vitae as of circa 1979, articles relating to Hoy, promotional material, one manuscript musical score, two letters, and one vinyl album.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Eugene Ormandy collection of test pressings and private recordings, 1930-1983, undated (inclusive)

Extent:

11.8 linear feet (22 boxes (boxes 1-3 available for research use))

Abstract:

Eugene Ormandy (1899-1985) was a Hungarian-born violinist and conductor best known for his association with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Ormandy's characteristic conducting style resulted in the "Philadelphia Sound," which he brought around the world through recordings, international tours, and guest conducting engagements. This collection contains test pressings and private recordings, mostly of Eugene Ormandy conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Marion Dexter Learned papers, circa 1885-1913 (inclusive)

Extent:

3 boxes

Abstract:

Miscellaneous papers of Marion Dexter Learned related to his scholarly work and academic career. Most of the items, including manuscript fragments, notes, and research materials, pertain to an unfinished scholarly project in which Learned sought to illuminate the literary evolution of the Wilhelm Tell legend and ballad, from its beginnings to the publication of a version of the ballad in Philadelphia in 1768 by the German-born printer Heinrich Miller. Other items in the collection include miscellaneous correspondence; two personal documents of Learned from graduate study in Leipzig, Germany; print copies of two speeches by him; and miscellaneous research materials and publications collected by him.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Leonard B. Meyer papers, 1935-2008 (inclusive)

Extent:

7 linear feet (18 boxes)

Abstract:

Leonard B. Meyer (1918-2007) was a musicologist and composer who taught at the University of Pennsylvania from 1975 to 1988. The papers, dating from 1935 to 2008, consist of correspondence with Meyer, drafts and notes for many of his works, research and teaching materials, musical compositions, and memorabilia.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia records, circa 1820-1994 (inclusive)

Extent:

126 boxes

Abstract:

The correspondence and business records of the Musical Fund Society of Philadelphia contain minutes of its earliest meetings; the membership, repertoire, and organization of its orchestra and chorus; information regarding financial relief afforded to its professional members and their families; programs and other materials related to the history of Musical Fund Hall (1848-1982); committee files; financial records; photographs of portraits painted by John Clarendon Darley, Thomas Sully, Rembrandt Peale, Charles Willson Peale, and others; and administrative records for the Musical Fund Society Foundation, a separate corporation formed in 1983.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Nineteenth-century English broadside ballads, circa 1800s (inclusive)

Extent:

49 items

Abstract:

Nineteenth-century London printers of broadside ballad sheets supplied both traditional and original songs to "hawkers and the trade," as well as selling to customers in their own shops. Most compositions are anonymous (though their authors are sometimes named or identifiable) and they enjoyed a wide audience. This collection contains 49 publications from a variety of printers, including the heirs of John Pitts and James Catnach (Elizabeth Hodges and Anne Ryle, respectively) and Henry P. Such. Researchers interested in nineteenth-century popular song or the London printing trade will find this collection of use.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Adalbert Riedl collection of prayer and song leaflets, 1746-1929, undated (inclusive)

Extent:

2.75 linear feet (8 boxes)

Abstract:

Adalbert Riedl (1898-1979) was a teacher, politician, museum director, collector, and folklorist from the Austrian state of Burgenland, a region with strong ties to today's Hungary. The Adalbert Riedl collection contains nearly 700 titles, mostly prayers and religious songs in leaflet or chapbook form. Additionally, there is a collection of 28 printed leaflets bound into a single volume (Sammelband) and a small number of manuscripts in German Kurrentschrift. The bulk of the collection was printed in the 19th century. There are a few pieces from the 18th century and a few from the early 20th century. The items are primarily in the German language, many printed in Fraktur, and a small number are in Hungarian, as well as Croatian, Czech, Slovakian, and Slovenian.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Maurice the Maestro Rotenberg record collection, circa 1928-1952 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.5 linear feet (6 boxes)

Abstract:

Maurice Rotenberg (1897-1952) owned Maurice's, an "Old World" style restaurant wired by technicians from Philco to pipe classical music throughout the dining rooms from 1948 until about 1962. Popular with musical celebrities, the restaurant was run for ten years following Rotenberg's death. This collection consists of sixteen recordings that were probably among the 30,000 classical records that were played in the Rotenberg's restaurant.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]