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Letters and manuscripts of MacDowell. One group was written to Arthur P. Schmidt, his publisher during MacDowell's years as professor of music at Columbia University. These letters concern the publication and distribution of his compositions and his copyright difficulties with other firms, especially Brietkopf & Härtel. There are eight letters from MacDowell to the American pianist, composer, and pedagogue William Mason. This personal correspondence deals with such things as musical pieces dedicated by each man to the other. A diary and letter book belonging to Marian N. MacDowell (Mrs. Edward) contains draft copies of letters to Nicholas M. Butler and others relating to his controversial career at Columbia University. Also, photocopies of eight letters from the Mary Flagler Cary Music Collection at the Morgan Library. Among the numerous musical scores and sketches are his INDIAN SUITE and the SONATA TRAGICA. Also, two original drawings of MacDowell by Orlando Rowland; and correspondence, manuscripts, catalogs, and other materials relating to the MacDowell Exhibition at Columbia University in 1938.

This collection of autographed inscriptions and letters from noted 19th century musicians was assembled by Mason. The material includes the signatures of 85 composer, performers, and other musical people, most of whom were Dr. Mason's contemporaries and personal friends. There are 103 items the majority of which are bits of music in script with signatures, and a few autograph letters to Mason. Among those represented are Berlioz, Jenny Lind, Franz Liszt, MacDowell, Paderewski, Rubinstein, Saint-Saens, Samaroff, and the Schumanns.