Published by Primary Source Microfilm
Part One: British and Continental Music Manuscripts; Section A
Part Two: British and Continental Music Manuscripts; Section B
Part Three: Previously Uncataloged Music Manuscripts
Since its foundation in 1822, the Royal Academy of Music has become one of the world's most widely respected institutions for the training of professional musicians. It is also the custodian of a magnificent collection of manuscripts, which have not become vividly known due to the lack of a published catalog.
Manuscript One
The Elgar holograph full score of the overture In the South.
Manuscript Two
A manuscript full score of Mendelssohn's Midsummer Night's Dream Overture presented by Sir George Smart.
Manuscript Three
An important manuscript of Purcell's The Faerie Queen, believed to have been used by the composer.
Manuscript Four
Manuscript Ten
The collection broadly reflects the history of music in England and the history of the Royal Academy. William Crotch, first principal of the Royal Academy of Music, is represented, as are later students and tutors such as Sir Arthur Sullivan and Sterndale Bennett. John Wesley, Edward Elgar and Gustave Holst are also featured, and there are important substantial sections of manuscripts of lesser-known composers such as Edward Bache, Sir Alexander Mackenzie and Stegall. These sources permit the re-evaluation of the overall contribution of 19th-century English music.
Ranging over three centuries of music, with particular strengths in early English and Italian music, and 19th-century classical music, this collection will form an important edition to the research and teaching facilities of any library.
Part One: 24 reels
Part Two: 23 reels
Part Three: 19 reels
Series Seven: 66 reels
