Virginia Composers, Archive of A Guide to the Archive of Virginia Composers DCR MG 4

A Guide to the Archive of Virginia Composers DCR MG 4


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ODU Diehn Composers Room Collection

189 Diehn Fine & Performing Arts Center
1339 49th St.
Norfolk, VA 23529
Telephone: 757-683-5350
libspecialcollections@odu.edu
URL: https://www.odu.edu/library/special-collections

Madeline Dietrich, Music Special Collections and Research Specialist

Repository
ODU Diehn Composers Room Collection
Identification
DCR MG 4
Title
Archive of Virginia Composers 1931-1979, undated Date acquired: 10/18/2016
Quantity
21 Linear Feet
Quantity
8 Hollinger document cases, 31 flat cases, 1 LP case boxes
Creator
Strong, Fred (1952-)
Creator
Hays, Audrey
Language
English .
Abstract
Includes biographical information, taped interviews, audio recordings on vinyl discs, open reel and cassette tapes, copies of published works, original and photocopies of manuscripts (including sheet music), as well as other material related to the Archive of Virginia Composers.

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Use

Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, and the holder of the copyright, if not Old Dominion University Libraries.

Conditions Governing Access

Open to researchers without restrictions.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Box [insert number], Folder [insert number and title], Archive of Virginia Composers, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.

Source of Acquisition

Gift from the Norfolk Public Library, Sargeant Memorial Collection.

Method of Acquisition

Acc. 2016.024 was received by Special Collections and University Archives from Sarah Osorio on behalf of the Norfolk Public Library on 10/18/2016.

Processing Information

The collection was processed by Madeline Dietrich, Music Special Collections and Research Specialist, from February 2021 through April 2022.


Biographical / Historical

The Archive of Virginia Composers was the idea of former Old Dominion University music major Fred Strong. He had been recording interviews with local composers to air on the radio and decided to donate these recordings to the Norfolk Public Library, where he met Audrey Hays, head of the Feldman Fine Arts and Audio-Visual Department. Between the two of them, the idea of creating an archive of Virginia composers developed, and in 1976, funds were secured and the project proceeded. According to an official statement, "The Archive of Virginia Composers was begun by a matching grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and Humanities and the Norfolk Public Library System for the purpose of accumulating biographical, historical, and musical information on all serious Virginia composers (living and deceased), so that we may act as a reference source to the public at large. By doing this, we hope to spur an abundance of interest toward their music which could result in more performances, commissions, etc., thereby making their livelihood more rewarding, and their value more substantial."

Scope and Contents

The Archive of Virginia Composers is a collection of scores and recordings of musical works by Virginia composers collected by the Norfolk Public Library between 1975 and 1979. The purpose of the archive was to bring these materials together into a single repository where they could be promoted and preserved. Thirty-four composers are represented; materials include biographical information, taped interviews, audio recordings on vinyl discs, open reel and cassette tapes, copies of published works, original and photocopies of manuscripts (including sheet music), photographs, programs, newspapers, and magazine articles. Additionally, the collection includes extensive correspondence relating to the history and development of the archive. The music itself consists of chamber works, major works for large ensembles, and sacred works (typically single-movement pieces intended for a church choir). Of these, the majority are representative of conventional styles, with some dating back to the 1930s. Other works represent exploratory compositional techniques of the 1970s.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged into five series. Series I: Organizational Records; Series II: Composers Inventory and Ephemera; Series III: Scores; Series IV: Oversize Scores; and Series IV: Audio. Materials within each series are arranged alphabetically by subject, composer name, or title.

Subjects and Indexing Terms


Significant Persons Associated With the Collection

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Container List

Series I
Series I: Organizational Records
Scope and Contents

This series pertains to the organizational records and correspondence of the Archive of Virginia Composers.

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Series II
Series II: Composers Inventory and Ephemera
Scope and Contents

This series pertains to information about the composers. Files may include AVC questionaire, list of compositions, photos, correspondence, programs, etc.

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Series III
Series III: Scores
Scope and Contents

This series consists of musical scores. Oversize scores are listed in Series IV: Oversize Scores.

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Series IV
Series IV: Oversize Scores
Scope and Contents

This series consists of oversize musical scores.

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Series V
Series V: Audio
Scope and Contents

This series consists of select audio content recorded on phonograph records, open reel tapes, and audio compact cassette tapes.

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