Virgil Thomson papers, 1920-1981

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Creator:
Thomson, Virgil, 1896-1989
Extent:
12.5 linear feet (24 ms boxes and 1 tall ms box (box 15))
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

Prose manuscripts, related correspondence, notes, printed material, and audio tapes of Thomson. Included are notes and drafts of many of Thomson's early articles, written while he was a student at Harvard University and in Paris, and numerous manuscripts of columns published in the HERALD TRIBUNE in the 1940s. Thomson's special interests reflected in these writings are modern music, American hymns, and the performance of music in Europe. Also, manuscripts and related material for six of Thomson's books and for Gertrude Stein's BEE TIME VINE, which was published after her death and for which he wrote the preface; and 125 reels of tapes of Thomson's program on radio station WNCN (New York), 1969-1970. Cataloged correspondents include Chalmers Clifton, Lincoln Kirstein, Alfred A. Knopf, and Man Ray.

Biographical / historical:

Composer, music critic.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Boxes 18-25 are located located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Some unique time-based media items have been reformatted and are available onsite via links in the container list. Commercial materials are not routinely digitized.

Terms of access:

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:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Virgil Thomson papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
RBML Home Page
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
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