Compare Constellations

Elmore, Robert Hall, 1913-1985. Papers, 1916-1985.

Title: Papers, 1916-1985.

The papers of Robert Elmore document the career and life of a successful musician, conductor, and educator. The collection consists of manuscript material falling into two series -- Music and Biography. The Music series contains approximately 250 Elmore compositions representing the vast majority but not quite the total output of his works. Of the vocal works about 100 are sacred and 25 are secular. Sacred choral works include cantata-type extended works and anthem-type works. Of the instrumental works, 65 are for organ; the remainder are for various ensembles. Over half of the total are published. Many of the works include manuscripts from various stages of the work, from draft to final version. There are programs, correspondence with publishers, and financial documents as well. Include within the collection are Elmore's own student exercises as well as some student exercises of Elmore's students. Finally correspondence with other composers may also be found within the Music series. Some correspondents include Seth Bingham, Wilbur Chenoweth, Ralph Kinder, Harl McDonald, and Pietro Yon. Materials concerning Thornton Oakley and Frank Oglesby, associates from the University of Pennsylvania are also included. The Biography series presents a remarkable picture of Elmore in all periods of his lifetime. A great quantity of memorabilia reflect the Elmore family's practice to save both pertinent and sentimental information. There are programs, clippings, scrapbooks, articles, writings, letters, and church bulletins all documenting his strong interests in music, theatre, opera, and other cultural events for which he gave his support. Of special interest is Elmore's brief career with the two movie theatres for which he played organ. His personal and business correspondence is voluminous and consist of both the notable to the effusive admirers. There is correspondence with and among family members and friends including Wilber Theodore Elmore and Maud Johnson Elmore (his parents), Rachel Elmore (his sister), Mabel Jackson (family friend) and Thomas Halpin (Elmore's personal secretary and friend). This part of the collection contains information on the friendship among friends and family, particularly between Rachel and Mabel. Here a researcher might gain insight into three overlapping circles of acquaintances which rarely intersect: an upper middle-class, a conservative evangelical religious circle, and a professional circle of nationally recognized musicians and virtuosi. The remaining material is composed of appointment books, financial documents, and photographic prints.

ArchivalResource: 52 Cubic ft.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/122631043 View