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Posted by: Libby Smigel
Doctoral candidate Ellen Sauer describes the role of patriotic music and song, such as “La Marseillaise,” during the French Revolution. See samples of art and music used to illustrate the essay.
Posted in: Guest bloggers, Holidays, Musical Theater
Posted by: Libby Smigel
A fitting blog post for the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations on July 4th, Morgen Stevens-Garmon, senior music archivist in the Library of Congress Music Division, reminisces about a favorite Broadway show, "1776," and other musicals set during the American Revolution.
Posted in: American history, Guest bloggers, Holidays, Musical Theater, New finding aid, Special Collections, Uncategorized
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.
Posted in: Composers, Conductors, Holidays, New Acquisitions, Sacred music, Special Collections
Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres
In commemoration of Veterans Day, Senior Music Specialist Loras John Schissel presents a sketch of an important American arranger, composer, and conductor who broke the color barrier in the U.S. armed forces in 1918. This man was Bandmaster William “Will” Henry Bennet Vodery. Vodery's service in the military and his work as a musician is documented in collections available for researchers in the Performing Arts Reading Room.
Posted in: African American History, Composers, Curators, Guest bloggers, Holidays, Instrumentalists, Musicians, World War I
Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres
In this guest blog, Senior Music Specialist Ray White discusses the Music Division's recent acquisition of "Last Rites and Matins of the Dead" (ca. 1375-1425), which represents liturgical text, traditions and music of the "Triduum," a three-day period (that includes Halloween and Día de los Muertos) focused on honoring the departed in Western Christian faiths.
Posted in: Early Music, Guest bloggers, Holidays, Latin American History, New Acquisitions, Newly Cataloged, Sacred music, Sheet Music, Uncategorized
Posted by: Cait Miller
This blog post highlights the work of American composer Ulysses Kay (1917-1995), particularly his “Forever Free: A Lincoln Chronicle” for wind band, commissioned by Broadcast Music Inc. for the Civil War Centennial Commission in 1962.
Posted in: African American History, Composers, Holidays
Posted by: Claudia Morales
This season, Concerts from the Library of Congress has showcased the Library’s jazz collections for the esteemed performing artists who have appeared on the series. We are dedicated to fostering reflection and perspective by connecting these artists with our varied collection, ensuring that the work of major artists from the past century remains available to …
Posted in: Composers, Concerts and Events, Holidays, Instrumentalists, Interviews, Jazz, Musicians, Research Guides, Sheet Music, Special Collections, Staff Interviews, Women in Music
Posted by: Heather Darnell
It’s that time of the year when many Americans gather with their families to cut the turkey, gobble up pumpkin pie, and feel grateful for one another. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s look at heartwarming photos our favorite artistic families from the Music Division’s Digital Collections: Sylvia Fine and Danny Kaye Sylvia Fine …
Posted in: Composers, Digital Collections, Holidays, Instrumentalists, Jewish American History, Latin American History, LGBTQ+, Musical Theater, Special Collections, Vocalists, Women in Music
Posted by: Melissa Wertheimer
Tonight at sunset (Friday, September 15, 2023) through Sunday after nightfall, Jewish Americans and Jews around the world celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, to welcome the year 5784 in the Jewish calendar! The Music Division does not disappoint with its holdings of both religious and secular music for this time. Here is a small sample of the gems in our holdings so that we may celebrate together.
Posted in: Composers, Conductors, Holidays, Jewish American History, Special Collections