Bibliorarities 2007-2008
The Conservatory Library's Special Collections are the focus of the year-long series of exhibits, Bibliorarities. The exhibits are on view in the cases adjacent to the Conservatory Library's Circulation Area during all opening hours.
October- November 2007
Hoping to create “Spanish music with a universal accent,” Albeniz composed the suite of twelve piano pieces that comprise Iberia a century ago (December 1905-January 1908). The illustration by Albeniz’s daughter appearing here and on the cover of the featured facsimile edition was originally seen on the publication of the first two of four books of these impressions of Spain.
November- December 2007
Is it art or an LP?? Enjoy this beautiful reproduction of a 10-inch picture disc (78 rpm) sold at Lotte Lenya’s Berlin premiere of Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny. Check out the flip side as well!
December-January 2007
Cahusac’s Pocket Companion for the German Flute
Flute maker, Thomas Cahusac (fl.1749) is described in the Gentleman’s Magazine as “the oldest musical instrument maker in and near London.” His firm made flutes, violins and other instruments and also published music. An 18th-century flutist may have carried this first edition of songs and dances in his or her pocket! This volume was purchased by the Friends of the Library.
January-February 2008
This facsimile reproduction of a 12th-century liturgical manuscript, the book of the magister scholarum at the Piacentinian cathedral, is considered one of the first encyclopedias of Western Europe. The handsomely-detailed work was purchased by the Friends of the Library.
February-March 2008
According to Donald Mitchell (in the commentary accompanying this facsimile edition), Gustav Mahler described his seventh symphony after its completion in 1908 as his “best work” and “preponderantly cheerful.”
March-April 2008
For the first time Teatro La Fenice has published all the Verdi papers held in its archives. The facsimile presents autograph letters, playbills for first performances, photographs of Verdi and the leading singers in his operas, and more. Verdi and La Fenice was graciously purchased by the Friends of the Library.
April-May 2008
View a rare autograph of Olivier Messiaen featured in this centennial year of his birth. Messiaen, an organist, composer, and professor at the Paris Conservatoire, taught Pierre Boulez, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Iannis Xenakis, and Tristan Murail among others. This manuscript was purchased through a generous gift to the Conservatory Library.