Exhibit:  With the flow of the hand, composers make their mark

Location:  Music Library, Tempe campus

Available:  March 16 – May 15, 2009, during normal library hours

Description: For centuries, composers’ autographs have intrigued music historians and hobbyists, informing us of the past travels of scores, letting us know these pieces were once held by great musicians, even if for only a few seconds.

Some composers were generous with their autographs. Others seldom signed scores. For collectors and musicologists, these rare scribblings are biographically valuable and offer insight on the personal and professional life of composers.

Types of autographs include signatures, dedications, presentations, and musical quotes, which were a favorite of many French composers including Jules Massenet and Reynaldo Hahn.

This is a special exhibit of 12 autographed opera scores by Jules Massenet, Reynaldo Hahn, Aaron Copland, Giuseppe Verdi, and several other lesser known composers. Featured items include a signed, first edition score of Reynaldo Hahn’s opera La Carmelite with a dedication to Jules Massenet; a signed score of Verdi’s opera Aida; and a signed and numbered copy of American poet and writer Edna St. Vincent Millay’s play The King’s Henchman with a signed facsimile page of music from American composer Deems Taylor’s opera by the same title.

All scores are from the private collection of Robert Mills.