Hunt-Berol Sheet Music Collection, 1700s-1900s

Creator:: Berol, Alfred C., 1892-1974 and Berol, Madeleine, 1895-1985
Extent:: 244 linear feet (227 boxes; 25000 items; oversize)
Language:: English .
Scope and content:: Printed music from the 18th-20th centuries, primarily 19th century American. Almost half the items are popular editions of European composers' instrumental music. The collection contains a large quantity of patriotic music such as the 1798 "Adams and Liberty" and the first and third editions (both 1798) of "Hail Columbia" and a comprehensive collection of music from the Civil War. There are also early printings of "The Star Spangled Banner," first and later editions of Stephen Foster's music, and a large collection of Benjamin Carr materials. Collection of 16th-20th century rare music books was cataloged individually. Primarily collected by Arthur Billings Hunt, 1890-1971, baritone, musical director and broadcaster. Most of the items are of American origin, and reflect Hunt's wide-ranging interests in sacred and secular music.

Acquisition information:

Source of acquisition--Berol, Alfred C. and Madeleine. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--1964. Accession number--M-1964.

Gift of Mr and Mrs Alfred C. and Madeleine Berol, 1966.

Processing information:

Processed JR 10/--/88.

The songsheets and broadsides in series III were formerly known as the Hunt-Berol Songsheets, and were integrated into this collection in 2021. One box of19th-century publications containing music was also added in 2021. kws

Arrangement:

A card index for series I and II, listing each individual title, is available in the RBML.

Accruals:

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Rules or conventions:

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Related material:

For related scores, books, and bound volumes, see the CLIO records for the Hunt-Berol Book Collection .

RBML also holds the Arthur Billings Hunt Papers.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Several items in this collection contain language commonly used in the 19th century that is today considered offensive or harmful, in particular expressions of racism.

Series I and II of this collection is 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.

Note: The container list for Series I and II provides only the first piece of sheet music in each box. Use this list in conjunction with the paper card catalogs in RBML to request the correct box from off-site storage.

Location of this collection:: Rare Book & Manuscript Library

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

Collection