Louise Talma papers

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.