The Morgan Library, in New York, has the exhibit "Settling
New Scores", which displays 20th century music manuscripts in
the collection of the Paul Sacher Foundation. Included are two
piano rolls:
1) Conlon Nancarrow's Study No. 25, showing the end of the 3rd section
and beginning of the 4th. A sound sample is accessible on a head set;
2) Stravinsky's Firebird (Aeolian D-760), showing only the title page
(elaborately printed title information, list of classical recording
artists, etc.)
I also went on a guided tour of the Library, which was disappointing.
The guide was obviously an art historian interested primarily in
classical art. She spoke at length of the classical art depicted on
the ceilings, the columns, etc. Also the amounts of lead and copper in
the type-face used to print the Gutenberg Bible (of which the Library
has 7).
In speaking briefly of the Morgan family she mentioned the grandfather
was John Pierpont. A bell rang in my head: the author of Jingle Bells?
"That was the uncle, and it's just a silly song." Not the sort of
thing that should be mentioned to people on a tour, I guess.
Then, a peculiar thought that came to mind. One of the rooms that
hold the music exhibit is the Thaw Gallery. The Library was designed
by the firm of McKim, Mead, & White. Stanford White was, of course,
murdered by millionaire Harry Thaw. I began having images of "Ragtime
-- the Musical" (film, novel), and of Evelyn Nesbitt singing "The Crime
of the Century," ....
Is the Thaw Gallery named after anyone of the same family? She didn't
know. ... But the exhibit is interesting ...
Ed Berlin
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