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Eugen d'Albert letters

 Collection
Identifier: GTM-140722.3

Scope and Contents Note

The Eugen d'Albert letters consist of 87 letters, almost all of which were written from German composer and pianist Eugen d'Albert to Austrian composer and pianist Pauline Erdmannsdorfer. The letters date from 1892-1894, 1896-1897, 1899-1903, 1905-1906, and 1908-1913. In the letters, d'Albert discusses his musical creations with Pauline. He asks her to promote his compositions. The letters document d'Albert's musical evolution. D'Albert writes about rehearsals, critics, theater negotiations, professional demands, and other German and Austrian musicians. Some attention is given to d'Albert's wives; he was married six times. Taken together, these letters provide primary source materials relating to two prominent musicians. A lengthy dealers' catalog from J & J Lubrano Music Antiquarians providing detailed descriptions of these letters is contained in Folder 1.

Dates

  • 1892-1919

Conditions Governing Access

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.

Conditions Governing Use

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.

Biographical Notes

Eugen d'Albert (1864-1932) was a noted German composer and pianist. Born in Scotland, he studied music in London, where he earned a reputation as an accomplished pianist. Subsequently, he moved to Vienna, Austria and became a student of Franz Liszt. D'Albert enjoyed the music of Germany, and, in time, he became a naturalized German citizen. He toured extensively performing his works.

D'Albert produced 21 operas, 2 piano concerti, chamber music, lieder, and orchestral works. His most successful creation was his opera "Tiefland" (1903). He also won wide acclaim for his performance of Johann Sebastian Bach's music.

[Source: "Encyclopedia Britannica Online."]

* * * * * * *

Pauline Erdmannsdorfer (1847-1916) (nee von Oprawill, adopted Fichtner) was an Austrian composer and pianist. She was born in Vienna and studied under Franz Liszt. In 1874, she married composer Max Erdmannsdorfer (1848-1905). The couple lived successively in Moscow, Bremen, and Munich. Pauline was noted for her compositions and her piano instruction.

[Source: Musopen Online.]

Extent

0.20 Linear Feet (1 Hollinger Slim Document Case)

Language of Materials

German

Provenance

Purchase.

Title
Eugen d'Albert letters
Status
Completed
Author
Mat Darby, Georgetown University Library Booth Family Center for Special Collections, Washington, D.C.
Date
2018
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Georgetown University Manuscripts Repository

Contact:
Lauinger Library, 5th Floor
37th and O Streets, N.W.
Washington DC 20057