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Category: Conductors

Photo of Scala in 1903 at his home. Seated outdoors.

A Note from President Lincoln

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

University of Kentucky MLS candidate Jay Stringer-Vaught discusses a unique item in the Music Division’s collections written by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 to Francis Maria Scala, then-leader of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. Also learn about several past appearances by "The President's Own" on the Concerts from the Library of Congress series, which celebrates 100 years in 2025.

Excerpt of first page of manuscript for Adams "El Niño."

John Adams’ El Niño: A Modern Christmas Message

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

In time for the Christmas season, Senior Music Specialist Kate Rivers explores manuscript sources of composer John Adams' opera-oratorio "El Niño." Composed in 2000 and recently presented at the Metropolitan Opera, "El Niño" is widely regarded as a masterwork of contemporary sacred music. Learn about the primary sources related to the work in the John Adams Music Manuscripts and Papers in the Music Division.

Image of saxophone player in Air Force uniform playing their instrument, with other musicians on stage in the background.

From the Coolidge Auditorium to the WETA Airwaves

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

Save the date for the return of the Library's concert series to the airwaves on December 30, 2024 at 8 p.m. ET on WETA. Enjoy a broadcast of the February 12, 2024, "Rhapsody in Blue" at 100 concert featuring The U.S. Air Force Band and pianist Simone Dinnerstein. The Library of Congress is home to the George and Ira Gershwin Collection.

Marvin Hamlisch, in conductor's formal attire and holding his baton, circa 1979.

Nobody Does It Better than Marvin Hamlisch

Posted by: Libby Smigel

Film music and musical theater buffs can now explore the scores and papers of composer-arranger Marvin Hamlisch in the Library of Congress Performing Arts Reading Room. Archivist Janet McKinney describes the range of materials, which include photographs, programs, scrapbooks, staging lists, and even Hamlisch's entertainment trophies.

Excerpt of handwritten orchestra score for "Wuthering Heights" by Alfred Newman (1939).

New Finding Aids at the Music Division of the Library of Congress

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

Learn about six new collection finding aids that have been published by the Library's Music Division. These finding aids provide bibliographic access to the Irwin Bazelon Papers, Harry Chapin Collection, Ann Murphy Collection on the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall, Alfred Newman Film Music Manuscripts, Park Avenue Synagogue Commissioning Project Correspondence and Hans Spialek Papers.

Letter handwritten in pencil by Leonard Bernstein's then 6-year-old brother. The handwriting look like that of a 6-year-old: large and unsteady. Younger brother Burton address Leonard as "Dear Dopey," and offers "Congratulations on your birthday."

A Gift ‘By the People’ on Bernstein’s Birthday

Posted by: Cait Miller

Nearly 16,000 pages of material from the Library of Congress Leonard Bernstein Collection have been transcribed and reviewed via our "By the People" crowdsourced transcription campaign. Transcriptions will ultimately be made available in loc.gov, and the Leonard Bernstein Digital Collection will soon be keyword searchable.

Serge Koussevitzky in center cuts into his birthday cake with a knife. Leonard Bernstein and Lukas Foss stand on either side.

A Maestro for the Ages: Serge Koussevitzky at 150

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

The Library of Congress Music Division and Koussevitzky Music Foundation commemorate Serge Koussevitzky's 150th birthday with new commissions, the launch of a digital collection, a collaboration with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and more. Learn about this legendary composer and conductor who is responsible for commissioning and premiering many 20th century masterworks, including music by Leonard Bernstein, Béla Bartók, Benjamin Britten, and more.