Max Neuhaus papers, 1950s-2008

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Creator:: Neuhaus, Max
Abstract:: Research materials relating to the creation and installation of sound sculptures by Max Neuhaus.
Extent:: 31.25 linear feet 16 document boxes; 9 record cartons; 8 cassette boxes; 4 videotape boxes
Language:: English , German , Korean , Italian , French , Spanish; Castilian .
Scope and content:: A variety of materials relating mostly to his various installations and explorations of sound. Neuhaus did not record the sounds of his installations because he believed the sound was meaningless without the surrounding environment. The papers are comprised of correspondence, plans, designs, background research files, maps, catalogs, slides, reel-to-reel tapes, cassettes, videos, photographs, floppy disks, cds, a full Macintosh PowerBook 5300ce laptop, and printed material.
Biographical / historical:: Max Neuhaus was born in Beaumont, Texas in 1939. He studied music at the Manhattan School of Music and became a renowned percussionist and interpreter of contemporary music while still in his twenties. He developed into a pioneer of artistic activities with sound. He was the first to extend sound as an autonomous medium into the domain of contemporary art. Neuhaus died at age 69 in Maratea, a coastal town in southern Italy.

Acquisition information:

2009-2010-M039: Source of acquisition--Source. Method of acquisition--Purchase; Date of acquisition--9/17/2009.

Processing information:

Papers processed PTL 1/2014.

Boxes 38 and 39 contain CDs of material digitized from audio reels and audio cassette tapes. As of September 2019, these materials can be accessed on-site via links in the container list below and directly via the DLC portal. A printed list of the contents of boxes 38 and 39 is found in the collection file. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Arrangement:

Arranged in 11 series.

Accruals:

No accruals are expected

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

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

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 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.

Audiovisual content must be digitized prior to use. 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. Email rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Preferred citation:: Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Max Neuhaus Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:: Rare Book & Manuscript Library

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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