Brenda Miller Cooper "Giants in the Earth" Collection, 1951
Collection context
- Creator:
- Cooper, Brenda Miller
- Abstract:
- Brenda Miller Cooper was an American operatic soprano who was a regular performer at New York City Opera from 1947 to the early 1960s. The materials in this collection were compiled by Brenda Miller Cooper during the premiere of Douglas Moore's Pulitzer Prize-winning opera, Giants in the Earth, in 1951 at Columbia University, in which she created the role of Beret.
- Extent:
- 1.75 Linear Feet 1 flat box and 1 LP case
- Language:
- Collection is in English.
- Scope and content:
-
This collection comprises material relating to Douglas Moore's 1951 opera, Giants in the Earth as compiled by Brenda Miller Cooper, who originated the role of Beret. It includes press clippings (of reviews, etc.), a letter to Brenda Miller Cooper from Douglas Moore, a photograph of the cast, programs, a 1951 recording of the opera (on five 78-rpm LPs), and an annotated Ozalid copy of the vocal score.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Brenda Miller Cooper (1916-2008) was an operatic soprano whose stage career spanned the mid 1940s to the early 1960s. After debuting with the Philadelphia Opera in 1943, she became a regular performer at New York City Opera from 1947. In the early 1960s, a spinal cord tumor forced her retirement from the stage; however, she remained an active force in the American operatic community, teaching voice on the faculty of Montclair State University. She passed away in 2008 in Teaneck, New Jersey.
In 1951, Brenda Miller Cooper originated the role of Beret in the premiere of Douglas Moore's opera, Giants in the Earth, at the Brander Matthews Theater of Columbia University. With a libretto by Arnold Sundgaard (based on the novel of the same name by Ole Edvart Rølvaag), Giants in the Earth tells the story of a family of Norwegian immigrants who attempt to settle on the South Dakota prairie in 1873. The opera was produced especially for the Brander Matthews Theater as part of a series of operas put on by Columbia Theater Associates. It was directed by Felix Brentano and conducted by Willard Rhodes. Moore's score was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for music that same year.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
-
Single reproductions may be made for research purposes. It is the responsibility of the user to secure permission for publication or use from the appropriate copyright holder.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Brenda Miller Cooper Giants in the Earth Collection; Box and Folder (if known); Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu