Top of page

Category: Composers

Elton John seated at red piano with Bernie Taupin standing behind piano. Image of the two men projected on rear screen.

“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

Here in Washington, D.C., we are lucky to have experienced approximately 87% of “lunar coverage” during the 2024 solar eclipse. You can keep the party going tonight. Trade out your eclipse glasses for a pair of rhinestone studded Elton John-style glasses for the broadcast premiere of “Elton John & Bernie Taupin: The Library of Congress Gershwin …

Three printed music scores inside wood and glass display case.

One Student’s Week of Discovery in the Music Division

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

The following is a guest blog by Charlotte Stephens, MLS Candidate, University of Kentucky, who spent a week supporting the work of the Library’s Music Division as part of her academic study. As a master’s student of library science, the Library of Congress has always loomed large for me. The size and scope of the …

Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin performing on an alto saxophone in the Coolidge Auditorium. Wearing a gold jacket and white top.

Now Streaming: January 2024 Edition

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

The Library of Congress is proud to offer free digital programming from its collections for the enjoyment of audiences that are not able to attend our live events in Washington, D.C. The Music Division works with colleagues throughout the Library to ensure that past events in the Concerts from the Library of Congress series, educational …

Leonard Bernstein pictured on the right in a black tuxedo with red pocket square greeting Vice President Walter Mondale (in a black tuxedo), First Lady Rosalynn Carter (in a light colored dress), and President Jimmy Carter (in a black tuxedo). In the background are Lenny's mother Jennie Bernstein and a White House military aide in Navy dress uniform).

Remembering First Lady Rosalynn Carter & Leonard Bernstein

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

While our nation continues to mourn the loss of First Lady Rosalynn Carter (1927-2023), here in the Music Division, we are reflecting on her lasting relationships with artists, performers, and creators, both during her time in The White House and the decades that followed. America’s civic leaders cross paths with many of the leading musicians, …

Engraving depicting a scene from Verdi's opera adaptation of Macbeth

Shakespeare Everywhere: From the Stacks to the Coolidge Stage

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

This autumn, many of Washington, D.C.’s arts and culture venues are collaborating to present the Shakespeare Everywhere Festival. The Library of Congress is pleased to participate in this gathering of theatrical productions, concerts, lectures, and educational events on offer through December 31, 2023. Bibliophiles and music lovers can experience two special events as part of …

Cover of sheet music for "Batterin' Babe", blue and white text with image of Babe Ruth swinging and hitting a ball while in a Red Sox uniform.

Baseball Beats: Music for the Fall Classic

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

We have several serious baseball fans here in the Music Division. At least several members of our team root for the current hometown Washington Nationals (“N-A-T-S, Nats, Nats, Nats, woo!”), the neighboring Baltimore Orioles (“Let’s Go, O’s!”), and the handful of New England transplants are ardent Boston Red Sox fans. With all this baseball energy …

Engraving of two individuals playing stringed instruments.

Exploring the Music Division’s Collection of 15th-17th Century Anthologies with Susan Clermont

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres, Stacey Jocoy, and Susan Clermont of the Music Division contributed to this blog. Senior Music Reference Specialist Susan Clermont recently published an authoritative annotated bibliography and accompanying research guide focused on the Music Division’s 306 anthologies of music dating from 1463 – 1701. These anthologies comprise over 12,000 individual works by over …

Woman with dark hair, fancy dress and pearls with eyes closed and mouth slightly open, singing

Learning the Backstory to “Rent”

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

This post is by Emily Hauck, a summer intern in the Library’s Communications Office. A version of this post was first published in the Library of Congress Gazette and it also appeared on the Library of Congress Blog. No matter how much you think you know about a topic, there is always more to discover. I …

Woman with dark hair, fancy dress and pearls with eyes closed and mouth slightly open, singing

Finding Afro-Kola at the Library of Congress

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

The following is a guest blog by 2016-2017 Library of Congress Jazz Scholar Ingrid Monson. “Finding Afro-Kola at the Library of Congress”  Ingrid Monson, Harvard University 2016-2017 Library of Congress Jazz Scholar For scholars and researchers interested in jazz, a visit to the Music Division of the Library of Congress can be a rewarding improvisation …