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Posted by: Libby Smigel
Ever wonder how composer Charles Wuorinen came up with the unusual titles for his music? Senior archivist Stephanie Akau chooses a sampling of some fantastical words Wuorinen puts to practical and entertaining use in the titles of his music compositions.
Posted in: America 250, Composers, Guest bloggers, New finding aid, Special Collections, Staff
Posted by: Libby Smigel
This guest post is provided by Ellie Hart, a member of the archival team processing the Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz Papers housed in the Music Division. Actress-comedienne Lucille Ball (1911-1989) and musician-actor Desi Arnaz (1917-1986) may be most remembered now for their husband-and-wife hit television series “I Love Lucy” (1951-1957), but within their papers …
Posted in: America 250, Comedians, Guest bloggers, New Acquisitions, Special Collections, Television
Posted by: Stacey Jocoy
What did the founders of the United States talk about when they weren't discussing politics? Through letters, music manuscripts, and early printed works from the Library of Congress collections, this post uncovers the musical connections among Benjamin Franklin, Francis Hopkinson, and George Washington, offering readers a glimpse into the friendships, creativity, and cultural life that accompanied the nation's founding.
Posted in: America 250, American history, Composers
Posted by: Libby Smigel
The Music Division is pleased to announce the acquisition of a first edition of The Anacreontic Song, from which the melody of our national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, is derived. This edition joins our other first edition, which became part of the national collection in 1914. Only 12 documented copies of this rare edition are known to have survived.
Posted in: America 250, American history, Guest bloggers, New Acquisitions, Sheet Music, Staff
Posted by: Cait Miller
Help the Library make early American music history more accessible by contributing to a new By the People transcription campaign focused on early American sheet music published before, during, and soon following the American Revolution. This initiative is part of the Library's America250 celebration.
Posted in: America 250, American history, By the People transcription campaigns, Sheet Music
Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres
As World Cup fever continues around the world, learn about a fascinating connection between Liverpool Football Club and the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, whose papers are held by the Music Division. Damian Iseminger explores the role of "You'll Never Walk Alone" from "Carousel" as the anthem of the "boys in red."
Posted in: Composers, Musical Theater
Posted by: Libby Smigel
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference (MARAC) in Richmond as seen though the eyes of first-time attendees Ellie Hart and Regina Dziergas, both archives processing technicians in the Music Division's Acquisitions and Processing Section.
Posted in: Librarianship, Staff, Staff Interviews
Posted by: Claudia Morales
During her first U.S. tour, Cuban-Swiss violinist, vocalist, composer, and bandleader Yilian Cañizares visited the Library of Congress for a performance and an exploration of music manuscripts from the Music Division's collections. Through works by Cuban composers and women composers whose artistic journeys resonated with her own, we discussed musical influences, creative expression, and the connections that link artists across generations.
Posted in: Commissions, Composers, Interviews, Jazz, Musicians, Uncategorized, Women in Music
Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres
Music has an important role in the World Cup. Whether through the performance of national anthems, featured concerts, or official songs and recordings, attendees and viewers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will find that music and soccer go hand in hand. Enjoy a glimpse into how the music of the World Cup intersects with the Library's collections.
Posted in: America 250, Copyright Deposits, Sheet Music