William Mason collection of autographs of musicians, 1830-1906
Collection context
- Creator:
- Mason, William, 1829-1908
- Extent:
- 1 volume
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
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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.
- Biographical / historical:
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Pianist, teacher, and musical theoretician.
William Mason (January 24, 1829 July 14 1908 was a noted pianist composer and teacher. He made his musical debut at seventeen with the Boston Academy of Music March 7 1846. In 1849 he went to Germany to complete his education and studied with a number of pianists including Franz List. Upon his return to the United States in 1854 he started to tour the country giving piano recitals.
In 1857 Mason married Mary Isabella Web. In 1855 he helped to found the Mason-Thomas Soirees of Chamer-Music at which many compositions by Schumann and Brahms were first performed in the United States. After 1868 Mason mostly wrote and taught music and piano technique. His most famous book is Touch and Technic. He wrote about forty pieces for the piano among them Silver Spring and Capriccio Fantastico He died at age seventy-nine at his home in New York.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
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This collection is located on-site.
This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
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Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
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Identification of specific item; Date (if known); William Mason collection of autographs of musicians; Box and Folder; 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