Scope and Contents
The Louise Talma Papers contain materials relating to composition and performance of Talma's opera The Alcestiad, and to Thornton Wilder, his friendship with Talma, and his collaboration with her as librettist for The Alcestiad. Contents relating to The Alcestiad, 1950s-1970s, include autograph letters, signed, to Talma from Thornton Wilder, 1952-1975 and undated, and from his sister Isabel Wilder, 1954-1972, with some letters annotated by Talma; autograph manuscript music drafts; diazo reproductions of autograph manuscript full scores and vocal scores, including a German translation by Herberth E. Herlitschka; microfilms of scores; autograph manuscript drafts by Wilder of the libretto, and typescript mimeograph copies of the libretto; audiocassettes and reel-to-reel audiotapes of performances, 1960-1962 and undated; photographs of performances; and clippings of reviews. Other papers, 1940s-1980s, include scores and parts for other vocal, orchestral, and chamber works by Talma, most diazo reproductions of autograph manuscript scores, 1947-1980 and undated; other writings by Wilder, most typescript, 1953-1973 and undated; clippings relating to Wilder; concert programs and other printed material, most concerning performances of Talma's music; and photographs, most of Talma with Wilder or with musicians, 1956-1962.
Dates
- 1942 - 1985
- Majority of material found within 1952 - 1963
Creator
Language of Materials
Chiefly in English; some materials in German.
Conditions Governing Access
The materials are open for research.
Box 23 (audiocassettes) and boxes 24-27 (reel-to-reel audiotapes): Restricted fragile material. Reference copies may be requested. Consult Access Services for further information.
Box 23 (audiocassettes) and boxes 24-27 (reel-to-reel audiotapes): Restricted fragile material. Reference copies may be requested. Consult Access Services for further information.
Conditions Governing Use
The Louise Talma Papers is the physical property of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the authors or their legal heirs and assigns. For further information, consult the appropriate curator.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Bequest of Louise Talma, 1997.
Arrangement
Organized into three series: I. Correspondence, 1942-1975. II. The Alcestiad, 1952-1976. III. Other Papers, 1947-1985.
Extent
11.31 Linear Feet (37 boxes)
Catalog Record
A record for this collection is available in Orbis, the Yale University Library catalog
Persistent URL
Overview
The Louise Talma Papers contain materials relating to composition and performance of Talma's opera The Alcestiad, and to Thornton Wilder, his friendship with Talma, and his collaboration with her as librettist for The Alcestiad. Contents relating to The Alcestiad, 1950s-1970s, include autograph letters, signed, to Talma from Thornton Wilder, 1952-1975 and undated, and from his sister Isabel Wilder, 1954-1972, with some letters annotated by Talma; autograph manuscript music drafts; diazo reproductions of autograph manuscript full scores and vocal scores, including a German translation by Herberth E. Herlitschka; microfilms of scores; autograph manuscript drafts by Wilder of the libretto, and typescript mimeograph copies of the libretto; audiocassettes and reel-to-reel audiotapes of performances, 1960-1962 and undated; photographs of performances; and clippings of reviews. Other papers, 1940s-1980s, include scores and parts for other vocal, orchestral, and chamber works by Talma, most diazo reproductions of autograph manuscript scores, 1947-1980 and undated; other writings by Wilder, most typescript, 1953-1973 and undated; clippings relating to Wilder; concert programs and other printed material, most concerning performances of Talma's music; and photographs, most of Talma with Wilder or with musicians, 1956-1962.
Louise Talma (1906-1996)
Louise Talma (1906-1996), American composer. Talma composed The Alcestiad, an opera in three acts, with libretto by Thornton Wilder, in 1955-1958. The opera premiered in German translation in Frankfurt, Germany, on 1962 March 1.
Processing Information
Former call number: Uncat ZA MS 525. In 2014, the collection received a baseline level of processing, including partial rehousing and minimal organization. The collection was reclassed under a new call number, and containers were renumbered. Most folder titles were based on information provided by the creator, while some were assigned by Library staff. Folder titles were not verified against contents.
- Audiocassettes -- United States -- 20th Century
- Audiovisual materials -- United States -- 20th Century
- Chamber music -- Scores
- Composers -- United States -- 20th Century
- Composers -- United States -- Archives
- Herlitschka, Herberth E., 1893-1970
- Operas -- Librettos
- Operas -- Scores
- Orchestral music -- Scores
- Photographs -- United States -- 20th Century
- Sound recordings -- United States -- 20th Century
- Talma, Louise, 1906-1996
- Talma, Louise, 1906-1996 (Alcestiad)
- Tape reels -- United States -- 20th Century
- Vocal music -- Scores
- Wilder, Isabel, 1900-1995
- Wilder, Thornton, 1897-1975
- Wilder, Thornton, 1897-1975 -- Musical settings
- Title
- Guide to the Louise Talma Papers
- Status
- Under Revision
- Author
- by Karen Spicher
- Date
- 2007-05-16
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Part of the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library Repository
Location
121 Wall Street
New Haven, CT 06511
Opening Hours
Access Information
The Beinecke Library is open to all Yale University students and faculty, and visiting researchers whose work requires use of its special collections. You will need to bring appropriate photo ID the first time you register. Beinecke is a non-circulating, closed stack library. Paging is done by library staff during business hours. You can request collection material online at least two business days in advance of your visit, using the request links in Archives at Yale. For more information, please see Planning Your Research Visit and consult the Reading Room Policies prior to visiting the library.