View "The Music of Oz," including treasures from the creation of "The Wizard of Oz," "The Wiz" and "Wicked," in the Thomas Jefferson Building from December 9 through January 31. Also on display is Harold Arlen's Oscar Award for "Over the Rainbow." The Library of Congress recently acquired rare music and lyric sketches from composer Harold Arlen and lyricist E.Y. “Yip” Harburg, best known for their collaboration on the score of the iconic film “The Wizard of Oz” in 1939. The new acquisition includes 35 manuscript items from Arlen and Harburg’s creative work, including the first handwritten drafts of music and lyrics from some of the most beloved songs from “The Wizard of Oz,” including "Over the Rainbow," made famous by Judy Garland. Learn more about this exciting addition to the collections.
Concerts from the Library of Congress presents a 15-event lineup for the fall 2025 season, wrapping up its successful 18-month centennial celebration with a rich mix of classical, jazz and pop concerts, lectures, conversations and special projects that salute the distinguished history of the series.
Explore the way Disney showcased the work of Mexican songwriters Manuel Esperón and Ernesto Cortár in several popular animated films in the 1940s as part of their effort to incorporate FDR's "Good Neighbor" policy. The effort resulted in sharing elements of mariachi music with American film audiences. This guest blog by Music Reference Specialist Stacey Jocoy draws on an insightful interview with ethnomusicologist and mariachi expert Dr. Lauryn Salazar (Associate Professor of Music, Tarleton State University).
The Music Division staff spotlight the Top 5 acquisitions of 2024, including the papers of composers Burt Bacharach and Anthony Braxton, manuscripts from the iconic "Wizard of Oz," records of the Kronos Quartet, and two Lizst song manuscripts.
