Fritz Kuttner papers, 1926-1991, bulk 1952-1986
Summary Information
Abstract
At a Glance
- Call No.:
- MS#1744
- Bib ID:
- 6910982 View CLIO record
- Creator(s):
- Kuttner, Fritz A.
- Repository:
- Rare Book and Manuscript Library
- Physical Description:
- 1 linear feet (1 record carton)
- Language(s):
- English , German .
- Access:
- You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.
-
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.
Description
Summary
Fritz A. Kuttner (1903-1991) was a German Jewish refugee in Shanghai in the 1940s, later immigrating to the United States in 1949. During his time in Shaghai, Kuttner became interested in Chinese music, and ultimately published many articles and a book, The Archeology of Music in Ancient China, on the subject. The papers include correspondence, manuscripts, drafts, and notes, primarily dating from his time in the United States.
The papers consist primarily of correspondence, which was originally arranged alphabetically in a series of binders. The binders only cover Kuttner's time in the United States, from 1949-1991, with nothing available from earlier periods. The correspondence deals primarily with music and related research and scholarship.
The papers also include Kuttner's passport and other certificates from the 1920s and 1930s, as well as miscellaneous manuscripts and lectures notes.
The collection contains very little material which dates from Kuttner's time in Germany or in China.
-
Series I: Correspondence, 1949-1991, undated
This series consists of correspondence and related materials. The correspondence was originally kept in binders and arranged alphabetically. The files include both incoming and outgoing correspondence.
-
Series II: Subject and Miscellaneous Files, 1926-1986, undated
This series contains two subject files and two general files of manuscripts, drafts, and documents.
The subject files relate to the New York Times and the Metropolitan Opera. The Times file contains Kuttner's letters to the editor, clippings, and other correspondence on music-related topics. The file on the Metropolitan Opera contains Kuttner's reports and notes on performances that he attended at the opera.
The two general files contain documents, drafts, and manuscripts. The documents include Kuttner's personal documents – his passport and other certificates – from the 1920s and 1930s. The other material includes manuscripts, lecture notes, and correspondence.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged in two series.
- Series I: Correspondence, 1949-1991, undated
- Series II: Subject and Miscellaneous Files, 1926-1986, undated
Using the Collection
Restrictions on Access
You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.
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.
Terms Governing Use and Reproduction
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); Fritz A. Kuttner Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
Accrual
No additions are expected
Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
2001-2001-M20: Source of acquisition--Carol R. Goodfriend. Method of acquisition--Gift; Date of acquisition--2000.
About the Finding Aid / Processing Information
Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Processing Information
Papers processed by Catherine C. Ricciardi March 2015.
Finding aid written by Catherine C. Ricciardi March 2015.
Revision Description
2015-04-01 File created.
2015-04-01 XML document instance created by Catherine C. Ricciardi.
2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.
Biographical / Historical
Fritz Alex Kuttner was born on January 18, 1903 in Poznan. At the time, the city was in Germany; it is now in Poland.
Kuttner studied economics in Berlin, earning a doctorate in 1932. After Hitler came to power, Kuttner left Germany in April 1939. He settled in Shanghai, and by 1942 owned a music store, Philharmonia. After the end of war in 1945, Kuttner was invited to teach as a guest lecturer on Western music theory and history at St. John's University. During his time in China, Kuttner became interested in traditional Chinese music. He spent time doing research, and also wrote as a music critic for the China Press under the pseudonym "Marpurg" in 1948-1949. His work in China would prove to be the beginning of a lifetime of scholarly work.
Kuttner left China and immigrated to the United States in 1949.
Kuttner continued his research work and teaching after his arrival in the United States. He wrote biographical entries for MGG and other encyclopedias, scholarly articles, and his book, The Archaeology of Music in Ancient China, which was published shortly before his death.
Kuttner died in New York City on September 25, 1991.
Subject Headings
The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches for other collections at Columbia University, through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, and through ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.
All links open new windows.