National Symphony Orchestra - Howard Mitchell., 12/29/1955-12/31/1970

File — Box: 4, Folder: 54

Identifier: 67521

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The personal papers of music critic Paul Hume comprise this collection. Highlights include correspondence from luminaries of the music world such as Marian Anderson, Pearl Bailey, Leonard Bernstein, Rudolph Bing, Nadia Boulanger, Antal Dorati, Alberto Ginastera, Serge Koussevitsky, John La Montaine, Lotte Lehmann, John Mauceri, Gian Carlo Menotti, Eugene Ormandy, Rosa Ponselle, Ned Rorem, Mstislav Rostropovich, Bidu Sayao, Beverly Sills, Gerard Souzay, George Szell, Virgil Thomson, Alan Titus, and Justine Bayard Ward.

The collection includes an impressive series of remarkable black-and-white publicity stills, with photographs of many of the foregoing, as well as Samuel Barber, Daniel Barenboim, Maria Callas, Pablo Casals, Van Cliburn, Vladimir Horowitz, Charles Ives, Riccardo Muti, Itzhak Perlman, Andre Previn, Leontyne Price, Rosa Raissa, Jean-Pierre Rampal, Artur Rubinstein and Arnold Schoenberg.

Hume's own work comprises an important part of the collection. These include his scripts for programs that he hosted at WGMS-FM radio (Washington, D.C.); as well as both manuscripts and news clippings articles he wrote as music critic for the "Washington Post." The collection also includes several files of research material amassed by Hume and his wife Ruth during the writing of their book on the famous Polish pianist Ignace Jan Paderewski. These include copies of correspondence by Paderewski, as well as by notable individuals in his circle.

Dates

12/29/1955-12/31/1970

Collection-level Access Restrictions

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Researchers are solely responsible for determining the copyright status of the materials being used, establishing who the copyright owner is, locating the copyright owner, and obtaining permission for intended use.

Extent

From the Collection: 11.5 Cubic Feet (12 boxes and 2 oversized folders )

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Container Summary

Correspondence to Paul Hume from Howard Mitchell music director for the National Symphony Orchestra: ALS (12/29/1955) with typed carbon reply from Hume (1/2/1956). Reference to Aaron Copland. Includes news release re Mitchell's request for change of status from music director to guest conductor (1968); Hume's notes re Mitchell's retirement announcement (1970); and clippings of articles on Mitchell including one by Hume.

Subjects and Associated Physical Materials

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - MITCHELL, HOWARD: RELATED ITEMS: Typed Letter Signed

MITCHELL, HOWARD - CORRES. TO HUME, PAUL 1955: Autographed Letter

HUME, PAUL - CORRES. FROM/TO MITCHELL, HOWARD 1955: Autographed Letter

MITCHELL, HOWARD & NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - NEWSCLIPPINGS, ETC.: Printed Item

COPLAND, AARON - REFERENCE BY MITCHELL, HOWARD 1955: Autographed Letter

HUME, PAUL - CORRES. RE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 1955-56: Autographed Letter