Aleph Number:
1998 Duke University. All rights reserved.
Collection is open for research.
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[Identification of item], Art Publication Society Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
This collection was received as a gift to the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Duke University from Ms. Cecile Stubbs of American Transit Corp. on May 9, 1986.
Processed by Don Sechler
Completed June 1998
Encoded by Lisa Stark
This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.
This collection is unprocessed: materials have not been ordered and described beyond their original condition.
In 1912, the Society, located in St. Louis, Mo., held a contest calling for submissions of original compositions for piano. The response, according to a letter from the Society, was overwhelming. The Society received over 3000 submissions from all over Europe, and North and South America. One hundred four of them make up this collection.
The collection consists of 104 original piano compositions entered into a contest held by the Society. It received over 3000 entries from all over Europe, and North and South America. These entries were apparently intended for return to the contestants, but were never mailed. The compositions were divided into three classes: Class A for concert piano solos, intended for public performance by advanced musicians; Classes B and C were written as less demanding salon pieces; Class C especially for short character pieces. Composers were supposed to identify themselves by motto rather than by name on their compositions (though some used names). The range of mottoes selected is quite diverse and interesting.
Sixty-one different composers are represented in this collection, including at least five women. Most of them were from Germany, Austria, Italy, England, Romania, Canada, Mexico, and Venezuela. A few submitted photographs and biographical information with their pieces. A few letters and prize lists from the Publication Society are also included.