The Michael Kennedy collection held at the John Rylands Library includes all the manuscript and typescript drafts of his books referred to above. Some of them differ considerably from the published version and illustrate the different stages of book production. This is particularly true of the Elgar volume, which is represented here in both manuscript and typescript form. In addition there is a small amount of correspondence relating to the Elgar book which was generated during Kennedy's research; of greatest interest is the bundle of letters from Elgar's daughter, Carice Elgar Blake (1890-1970). There is a larger quantity of correspondence relating to Kennedy's 1964 volume on Vaughan Williams. This reveals the thoroughness of his research methods as he unearthed details of hitherto unrecorded performances and manuscripts of Vaughan Williams's works. It includes information on the works and reminiscences about the life of the composer, often supplied by well-known figures, and has been listed in some detail. Included are letters from Ursula Vaughan Williams (the composer's widow), Bertrand Russell, Adrian Boult, Benjamin Britten, John Barbirolli, Larry Adler, Osbert Lancaster, Julius Röntgen, and various other musicians, composers and writers. The correspondence forms a valuable resource for research into Vaughan Williams and his work.
The second accession to the collection largely comprises reviews of concerts and performances arranged by year, 1970-2008 (these consist of press cuttings of reviews by Kennedy attached to the associated concert programme) and the hand written manuscripts and annotated typescripts of two books:
Michael Kennedy is referred to as MK throughout this catalogue.
(George) Michael (Sinclair) Kennedy was born in Manchester on 19 February 1926, although he moved to North Wales with his parents at a young age. He travelled south to attend Berkhamsted School in Hertfordshire, leaving at the age of 15 to join the staff of the
An important event in relation to this collection was Michael Kennedy's appointment as Staff Music Critic in 1950. Over the years his writing (both for the
Kennedy's first published book was
Michael Kennedy's second book was the result of a request made by the composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958), in his will. Vaughan Williams studied at the Royal College of Music and Cambridge University, before going on to play an important part in the revival of English music in the 20th century. He wrote works in many musical genres, finding inspiration in the work of 16th-century English composers and in traditional English folk songs, of which he personally collected many. From the period following the First World War until his death he played a prominent role in England's musical life, principally as a composer, but also as a conductor of numerous amateur music festivals, as a teacher and a writer. Michael Kennedy first made contact with Vaughan Williams by post, when he sent a letter to the composer about his music while he was serving in the Royal Navy in 1945. Vaughan Williams unexpectedly replied, and this led to a close friendship which lasted for the rest of the composer's life. Vaughan Williams requested that his biography be divided into two separate volumes, a personal biography to be written by his wife, Ursula, and a musical life to be written by Kennedy. In compliance with this request, Kennedy, working closely with Ursula, produced the companion volume to her book
For Kennedy's next book, he turned to another celebrated English composer, Sir Edward (William) Elgar (1857-1934), who came from a background of comparative poverty in the Midlands and, lacking any formal training, rose to become the best-known English composer of his time. He won his first large-scale success with
The city of Manchester and its musical heritage form an important theme in Kennedy's next three books. In 1966 he was asked by the Council of the Royal Manchester College of Music to write a history of the institution on the event of its impending amalgamation with the Northern School of Music to form a new college. Michael Kennedy's book,
Kennedy's
Kennedy's books on Manchester and its musical and cultural life are complemented by a volume on one of the most famous figures associated with Manchester's musical history, Sir John (Giovanni Battista) Barbirolli (1899-1970). Barbirolli conducted several prominent orchestras, before being invited in 1943 to become conductor of the Hallé. He accepted the offer and succeeded in rejuvenating the crisis-stricken orchestra, lifting it to new heights, and he remained in Manchester for the rest of his life. Michael Kennedy was a friend of Barbirolli for nearly 30 years, and it was understood between them that Kennedy should write Barbirolli's biography, an agreement which was formalized in the conductor's will. Kennedy had access to Barbirolli's personal archive which had been carefully filed and organized before his death. The authorized biography,
Michael Kennedy's next book-a manuscript copy of which is included here-forms part of the Master Musicians series of volumes, which provides a general introduction to the life and work of various eminent composers. Kennedy's
The English composer, Sir William (Turner) Walton (1902-1983), originally from Oldham in Lancashire, was the subject of a book published by Kennedy in 1989. His
Michael Kennedy added another volume to the Master Musicians series in 1976 with the publication of
In addition to the books represented in this collection, Michael Kennedy has written numerous other music-related volumes, including further works on Elgar, Strauss, the Hallé, and the Royal Northern College of Music, and books on Benjamin Britten and Adrian Boult, amongst others. He was awarded an honorary M.A. by Manchester University in 1975, an O.B.E. in 1981, and C.B.E. in 1997. He is a member of various musical institutions and trusts, including the Vaughan Williams Trust, and the Elgar Foundation. He married Eslyn Durdle in 1947, who died in 1999. He married secondly Dr Joyce Bourne. Michael Kennedy died on 31 December 2014.
The collection was amassed by Michael Kennedy during the course of his research and writing, and he presented the first accession as a gift to the John Rylands University Library at Oxford Road in 1975-6. It was subsequently transferred to the Deansgate building.
The second accession was donated to the Library by Joyce Kennedy, widow of Michael Kennedy in 2018.
The collection was originally arranged into three series (KEN/1-3) according to the physical
nature of the material. With the accrual to the collection, two new series were added (KEN/4-5)
based on the material type.
The Michael Kennedy Collection, KEN/3/1/1 (etc.), The University of Manchester Library.
The collection is open to any accredited reader.
The collection includes material which is subject to the Data Protection Act 2018. Under the Act 2018 (DPA), The University of Manchester Library (UML) holds the right to process personal data for archiving and research purposes. In accordance with the DPA, UML has made every attempt to ensure that all personal and sensitive personal data has been processed fairly, lawfully and accurately. Users of the archive are expected to comply with the Data Protection Act 2018, and will be required to sign a form acknowledging that they will abide by the requirements of the Act in any further processing of the material by themselves.
Open parts of this collection, and the catalogue descriptions, may contain personal data about living individuals. Some items in this collection may be closed to public inspection in line with the requirements of the DPA.
Photocopies and photographic copies can be supplied for private study purposes only, depending on the condition of the documents.
A number of items within the archive remain within copyright under the terms of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988; it is the responsibility of users to obtain the copyright holder's permission for reproduction of copyright material for purposes other than research or private study.
Prior written permission must be obtained from the Library for publication or reproduction of any material within the archive. Please contact the Head of Special Collections, John Rylands University Library, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PP.
The Leonard Behrens Collection at The John Rylands Library includes material on the Hallé
Orchestra
Further material on Adrian Boult is available at the BBC Written Archives Centre, Reading; the British Library, London; Bodleian Library, Oxford; Cumbria Archive Service, Carlisle; and the Gloucestershire Record Office, Gloucester.
Papers relating to Benjamin Britten can be found at the Britten–Pears Library, Aldeburgh; Merton College, Oxford; University of Southampton Library; Bodleian Library, Oxford; National Portrait Gallery, London; the Tate collection; and the West Sussex Record Office, Chichester.
Archival material (musical scores, letters, family papers etc) relating to Elgar may also be found at: the Elgar Birthplace Museum in Worcester; Hereford and Worcester Record Office; the British Library; the Library of the Royal Academy of Music; London University Library; Richmond Local Studies Library; Leeds University; and Birmingham University.
Papers relating to Vaughan Williams are held at: the British Library; King's College, Cambridge; Cambridge University Library; the Library of the Royal Academy of Music; the Bodleian Library, Oxford; Yale University, Connecticut, USA; and Cornell University, New York, USA.
Books by Michael Kennedy which are relevant to this collection
Select bibliography of Michael Kennedy's other publications
For published letters between Michael Kennedy and Neville Cardus, see (R210197)
See also:
Many thanks to Michael Kennedy for reading this catalogue in draft form [covering the collection's first accession KEN/1-3], providing answers to all my queries, and offering various helpful suggestions and comments.
This series contains a series of manuscript drafts, of 6 of MK's full-length books and 2 essays. The drafts are at various stages of advancement, some, like the Vaughan Williams manuscript being considerably different from the published version and others containing only minor variations. They reflect MK's methods of working, with various corrections, additions and insertions apparent. All the manuscripts are holograph, although they sometimes contain additions or corrections in other hands. Also included are a very small number of letters-to MK's typist and from his publishers, and these have been left with the manuscript with which they were originally placed.
For ease of reference, the archivist has given each manuscript running page numbers except where stated otherwise, as the inclusion of insertion pages had caused some inconsistencies in the original numbering.
Early draft of
Each chapter consists of a biographical narrative, a catalogue of works written during that period (subsequently combined in an appendix to form a full catalogue of works) and a commentary on the works.
The manuscript includes much material which was ultimately cut from the published version [possibly to avoid repetition of material from the companion biography], such as lengthy quotations from letters, and a detailed exploration of the history of the folk song [cut on the advice of the folk-song expert, Dr Maud Karpeles]. Chapters which contain the greatest variations from the published book are 3, 5, 6, 7, and the Epilogue (combining what became 'note 1' and 'note 2' in the published version).
Includes various corrections in other hands [the music editor Roy Douglas who checked the volume, Maud Karpeles, Ursula Vaughan Williams and Sir Gilmour Jenkins].
The manuscript, including all inserts, has been left in its original order, apart from 2 typescript sheets from the typist for checking which were placed at the end of chapter 8 and have now been moved to the end of the manuscript.
See also KEN/3/1.
An early version of
Of
Also includes: 1 page of a typescript version of the book (penultimate paragraph of chapter 13); a letter from the College; a typescript alteration; and a note from MK to his typist, originally inserted at p. 139 of ms and relating to an alteration to be made to the ms at that page.
Of
Also includes 3 typescript sheets and 3 manuscript sheets of additions to be made to the typescript version.
The main part of the manuscript has been allocated running numbers but the additional chapter retains its original numbering.
Of
The preface consists of 3 pages of typescript text with handwritten corrections and additions, and is dated February 1973 by MK. Includes appendices A-D, but excludes appendix E and index.
Also includes 2 handwritten notes to the late Mrs [Alice] Wragg, MK's typist, relating to alterations to be made to the manuscript.
Of the essay, 'William Walton: a critical appreciation', which was included in Stewart R. Craggs,
Of MK's entry on Richard Georg Strauss, printed in the 'Spiridion-Tin Whistle' volume of the 20-volume
KEN/2/5.
Of
Also includes a letter from MK to his typist, Mrs Wragg, originally inserted at p. 91.
This series contains a series of annotated typescripts of 3 of MK's full length books, which include various handwritten additions and corrections as well as instructions for printing. The first 3 items relate to MK's book on Elgar, which was first published in May 1968, a revised version appearing in September of the same year. Also includes 1 letter from MK's publishers.
As with the manuscripts, each typescript has been given running numbers to avoid inconsistencies in numbering caused by inserted sheets and earlier numbering systems.
Draft of
Also includes a letter from the publishers.
Of the general index and the classified index of works in
This was stored separately from the main part of the manuscript so may have been part of a separate accession to the Library.
Original typescript list of corrections and additions made to the Elgar typescript [KEN/2/1] and returned with the corrected typescript to MK. Also 1 typescript sheet of author's corrections and amendments for the second impression of the book, listing the page numbers on which alterations have been made for the revised edition [Sep 1968].
There is a copy of these notes in KEN/3/2/2.
Of
Of
See also KEN/1/7.
This series contains correspondence and a small number of other papers relating primarily to the research, writing and publication of MK's books on Ralph Vaughan Williams and Edward Elgar. It includes letters from family members (Vaughan Williams's widow, Ursula, and Elgar's daughter, Carice Elgar Blake), and in the case of Vaughan Williams, additional letters from various well-known figures in the world of music, diverse writers, scholars, friends and acquaintances. Sometimes copies of MK's letters survive, thus preserving both sides of the correspondence.
The series has been divided into 3 sub-series, the first two containing correspondence relating to Vaughan Williams and Elgar respectively, and the third containing two miscellaneous items which do not obviously belong with the rest of the material.
The letters were originally kept in broadly chronological order. The chronological arrangement has been maintained, although correspondence with the same individual over time has been brought together into bundles and given span dates.
The term 'correspondence' denotes copy letters from MK and replies from the recipient; 'letters' refers to letters received by MK; 'copy letters' are MK's carbon copies of his own letters.
Ralph Vaughan Williams is referred to as RVW throughout this class.
This sub-series contains a large quantity of correspondence and some additional papers generated by MK during the research and writing of
The correspondence also illustrates MK's progress with the book, which he began researching in 1960. The typescript was completed in August 1963; it was in proof stage by early 1964 and was published in the autumn.
In addition to the correspondence, there are a number of programmes for performances of works by RVW and various rough notes made by MK during the course of his research.
The correspondence is arranged in chronological order with undated material at the end, followed by the 2 bundles of research notes and programmes.
See also KEN/1/1.
Letter and translation: original letter in German to unnamed recipient [RVW] from Julius Röntgen [German-born Dutch composer, pianist and conductor], relating to his impressions of
Consists of: a postcard [presumably passed on to MK by Ursula Vaughan Williams] to RVW from bassoon player, John Parr of Sheffield, thanking the composer for adapting his song,
KEN/3/1/5.
No. 1 to RVW and no. 2 to Ursula Vaughan Williams, from Basil J.R. Cuthbert, senior music master at Ashlyns School, Berkhamsted, Herts, referring to the performance of RVW's music at school music festivals and asking if RVW will write a short fanfare for the school.
With conductor, composer and writer, Imogen Holst [daughter of RVW's friend Gustav Holst], relating to: books on RVW (she suggests MK produce not simply a discursive book, but also a separate thematic catalogue of RVW's works); MK's progress with his book, in which he has generally followed her advice; some information on Holst's father.
With the music publishers, Hinrichsen Edition Ltd, relating to the manuscript of the Fantasia on
See also KEN/3/1/2.
From [Bertrand, third Earl] Russell, describing his memory of RVW as a fellow undergraduate at Cambridge.
This item is quoted in MK's book, p. 42.
With Ursula Vaughan Williams, second wife and widow of RVW, and author of the companion volume to MK's work,
Other notable topics covered include: the organ music RVW composed to follow the film
No. 34 consists of extracts from Maggs Brothers sales catalogues relating to RVW-related material on sale at auction; no. 113 is from Ursula to Eslyn Kennedy; no. 80 was sent by Ursula but written by Mary Bennett [probably a librarian at the Fitzwilliam Library, Cambridge] and gives the dates of poet Fredegond Shove [some of whose poems were set to music by RVW]; no. 118 consists of typescript corrections and comments on Ursula's book by MK; no. 64 consists of 2 typescript sheets by MK outlining the Bush and Tippett affairs [Alan Bush had his works banned by the BBC on account of his communism and Michael Tippett was imprisoned in 1943 for pacifism; RVW supported both men].
A number of the letters are from other correspondents to Ursula and were presumably passed on by her to MK both to help him in his research and for general interest. These consist of: no. 35, from Dr. Ray S. Rowntree [RVW's doctor] informing her of RVW's exact cause of death; no. 71, from Alan Frank of Oxford University Press regarding a broadcast and passed on to Eslyn Kennedy; no. 54, from Gloucester City Librarian relating to a research visit; no. 119, from the Mechanical-Copyright Protection Society Ltd, relating to RVW's
Many of Ursula's letters are undated or omit the year of writing. Most of these had been bundled together at the top of the pile of RVW correspondence, and have been left in their original order, although some should possibly come later in the sequence. Nos. 1-49 therefore are undated and no. 50 (dated 1 Apr 1962) marks the beginning of the chronological sequence. No. 119 had become separated from the sequence, and despite being dated, has not been integrated as its place in the undated bundle was unclear. Many of Ursula's notes are very brief, often simply noting dates of compositions and performances, or being sent to accompany a section of her typescript or items which might be of interest to MK. None of the enclosures remain with the letters.
With teacher, scholar, writer and conductor, Sir Jack Westrup, Professor of Music at Oxford University, and editor of
With Muriel James, head of copyright at Boosey and Hawkes Ltd, the music publishers. Mainly consists of queries from MK relating to music scores, dates of publication, and details of different arrangements of RVW's works, namely:
From writer, Simona [Pakenham, a friend of the Vaughan Williamses and author of
With the music publishers, J. Curwen and Sons Ltd-primarily with the chairman, composer Maurice Jacobson. Contents relate to: the first London performance of
With J.E. Thomas and L. Ward Cox of Cardiff Central Library, relating to: the performance of
With the British Broadcasting Corporation, both in London and Bristol, relating to various enquiries made by MK in the course of his research, and including information on: the performance of
From the tenor and administrator, [Sir James] Steuart Wilson, relating to: the first performance of
From the conductor, [Sir] Adrian [Cedric] Boult and his secretary. Topics covered include: his meeting with RVW at the 1925 Festival [of the International Society for Contemporary Music] in Prague, when he was told by the composer that he was conducting an unnamed piece [
From Frank [Steward] Howes, music critic of
With staff from the library of the Royal College of Music, regarding various queries made by MK about performances of RVW's work, including:
With the English folk-song collector, editor and scholar, Maud Karpeles (honorary secretary of the International Folk Music Council). Contents relate to: some queries by MK about the sources of folk songs adapted by RVW; the folk song chapter of his biography, on which Karpeles comments and sends notes with corrections and suggestions for changes.
With A[lan] E[dgar] F[rederick] Dickinson [author of several pieces on RVW, including
From Hilda Lees, relating to: the first liturgical performance of RVW's
From singer and actress, [Gwen] Ffrangcon-Davies [daughter of the Welsh baritone David Frangcon-Davies], relating to the first performance of RVW's romance for violin and orchestra,
With the City Librarian at Bristol Central Library, relating to the first performance of
With staff at Manchester Central Library, relating to: research visits to the library by MK; a request by MK for photographs of the baritone, J. Campbell McInnes, and the pianist, Harriet Cohen.
From Thomas B. Pitfield [composer, teacher, poet, artist and craftsman, who was professor of composition at the Royal Manchester, later Royal Northern, College of Music], relating to: a letter from RVW in which MK may be interested which was written during the war and concerns an unusual carol tune Pitfield had taken down; his acquaintance with Michael Mullinar, pupil and amanuensis of RVW, and an early version of RVW's
With Oxford University Press Music Department, the principal correspondent being Alan Frank [publisher, editor, writer and clarinettist]. The letters relate largely to queries made by MK regarding publication, copyright and performance dates of various works and different arrangements of pieces by RVW, including:
Tthe anecdote in no. 7 is quoted in MK's book, p. 376.
From [Sir] Gil[mour Jenkins, a close friend of the Vaughan Williamses, who was involved in many amateur musical pursuits while working at the Ministry of Transport], largely relating to the progress of the books by MK and Ursula Vaughan Williams; he offers comments and suggestions for changes.
From the Central Film Library, relating to the film
From May Mukle-cellist and friend of RVW, who wrote various works for her; she replies to MK's query regarding the first performance of RVW's
With Keith Falkner, baritone, and director of the Royal College of Music, relating to: the recital at the Grotrian Hall, London, in Oct 1927, and MK's attempts to discover which 7 of RVW's 8 Housman Songs were sung by Joan Elwes; the first performance of the oratorio,
the RVW letters relating to the New York visit which were lent to MK by Falkner are now held at Cornell University.
From Margery Cullen, Honorary Secretary of the Leith Hill Musical Festival [which RVW's sister, Margaret, was jointly responsible for founding in 1905, and with which RVW had a lifelong association]. Contents relate to: RVW material Cullen has in her possession; opinions of RVW's work; the Dowager Lady Farrer [joint founder and for many years president of the Festival], whom she urges MK to contact; Festival news and an invitation to the 1963 event; a 1958 performance of RVW's
From Alice Wragg, MK's typist, relating to the typing of his manuscript. Also 2 typed sheets of notes on discrepancies she has found in the manuscript.
With A.D. Bonner of the music publishers and printers, Stainer and Bell Ltd, relating to publication and copyright dates of the scores of RVW works, including:
From Sylvia East of the Royal Philharmonic Society, relating to some programme notes supplied to MK and the location of their archives. Includes 3 extracts from programmes: a 1927 Promenade Concerts performance of RVW's
With Myn Haslehurst, secretary to the Headmaster of Christ's Hospital in Horsham, Sussex, and Dr C.S. Lang, former director of music at the school, relating to the first performance of RVW's
With Joan E. White, an editor in the Hymn and Service Book Department of Oxford University Press, relating to enquiries regarding various hymn books in which RVW's tunes appeared; also investigations into the little-known hymn tune by RVW called
With Ruth Noyes and Pat Shaw of the English Folk Dance and Song Society, relating to details of dates and first performances of various works by RVW, primarily folk-dance arrangements, folk songs, and sources for his hymn tunes, including:
To the violinist, Marie Wilson, enquiring about the first performance of RVW's
From [Edward] Allan Wicks, organist and choirmaster at Canterbury Cathedral, relating to a query about the identity of the choir conductor [Walford Davies] at the enthronement of Dr [Cosmo Gordon] Lang [Archbishop of Canterbury 1928-42], where RVW's
With Irene Seccombe, Honorary Secretary of the Cambridge University Musical Society. Contents consist of information supplied in response to various enquiries made by MK, on such topics as: performances of RVW works by the CUMS, namely
From the violist, Jean Stewart [who often appeared at the Leith Hill Musical Festival, and for whose birthday in 1944 RVW wrote
To the dancer and choreographer, Dame Ninette de Valois, Director of the Royal Ballet, enquiring about the performance by the Camargo Society of RVW's masque for dancing,
From the manager of the Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square, London, relating to the organist who played at the showing of the film
See also KEN/3/1/7 & KEN/3/1/46.
With the virtuoso oboist, Leon Goossens. Contents relate to the first performance of RVW's
From the Very Reverend W[alter] R[obert] Matthews [Dean of St Paul's, London], relating to the conductor at the performance of RVW's anthem,
From Lieutenant Colonel Basil H. Brown, Chief Instructor at the Royal Military School of Music at Twickenham, Middlesex. Relates to details of RVW's military band works,
With John Howlett, former organist at the Odeon cinema in Leicester Square. Relates to the incident when the film
No. 2 is quoted in MK's book, p. 305.
See also KEN/3/1/7 &KEN/3/1/42.
With Staffordshire County Council Education Committee, regarding the first performance of the
To the naturalist, James Fisher, asking for any information on the film
From A. Shaw Wright, Hereford County Librarian, relating to the first performance of RVW's
With Val Gielgud [head of radio drama at the BBC], relating to some incidental music written by RVW for a BBC radio broadcast of
From the pianist, Cyril Smith, relating to the first performances of RVW's
From Robert [probably Robert Elliott, subsequently a professor at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester], writing from York and enclosing copies of the
From [Sir] John [Giovanni Battista] Barbirolli, conductor of the Hallé Orchestra, commenting that he has not found anything of interest in RVW's letters to him, but encloses a page of RVW's revisions made to add to Barbirolli's
From Sir William [Neil] McKie, organist and master of the choristers at Westminster Abbey, who was the director of music for the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953. Contents relate to: RVW's plans for the coronation music; the conductor of
With organist, Herbert Byard, of Bristol University Music Department, relating to: the first performances of
With Pamela J. Willetts, Assistant Keeper of Manuscripts at the British Museum. Relates to planned visits to consult the RVW collection held at the museum, and various queries on the manuscripts which are answered by post. Works by RVW which are mentioned include:
From Stanley Harper, Secretary of the British Federation of Music Festivals, relating to RVW's
From Colin Scott-Sutherland, who is carrying out some research on the composer, [Sir] Arnold [Edward Trevor] Bax, relating to Bax and his connection with RVW.
Letter from Sir Lionel Russell, of the City of Birmingham Education Department, relating to a performance of RVW's
From Heathcote [Dicken] Statham [conductor of Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra, 1928-61] relating to the first performance of RVW's
With Stanley Godman of Lewes in Sussex, relating to: A[lan] E[dgar] F[rederick] Dickinson's book on RVW [
From John Churchill [conductor and choir master at St Martin- in-the-Fields, London] relating to the first London performance of
With the scholar and surgeon, Geoffrey Keynes [who provided the inspiration and wrote the scenario for RVW's
From Bernard Adams of the Salvation Army International Staff Band, relating to details of RVW's
With M. James and Kathleen Blocksidge, relating to the first recording and performance of RVW's
Copy letters from MK to the editors of various publications-national and local newspapers and musical publications-requesting permission to reproduce copyright material in his book. Includes 2 replies.
From the former organist and choirmaster at Hereford Cathedral, Sir Percy Hull, relating to: RVW's
Item is quoted in MK's book, pp. 238-9.
From Tony Wales of Horsham in Sussex, relating to the folk singers Harriet and Peter Verrall, who sang to RVW when he was collecting folk songs in Sussex.
From the composer P[atrick] A[rthur] S[heldon] Hadley, supplying information on early performances of
From Aileen Peters of Chicago Public Library [Illinois, USA], relating to the first performance of a ballet described as the
From Pat Ryan, Hallé Orchestra Librarian, relating to details of the orchestration of RVW's
From the soprano, Margaret Ritchie, relating to the first performance of RVW's
With New York City Library, principally with the head of the Music Division, Philip L. Miller. Relates to: the first performance of RVW's
From M.J. Harwood of the
From the critic and writer on music, Rollo Myers, relating to: a Paris performance of
See also KEN/3/1/97 & KEN/3/1/98.
With M. Race of the Associated British Picture Corporation Ltd at Elstree Studios. Relates to RVW's film music for
From Jasper Rootham [son of the organist and composer, Cyril Rootham, who conducted Cambridge University Musical Society 1912- 36]. Refers to his attempts to discover the identity of the conductor of an unspecified performance, although he thinks it was not his father who died in March 1938.
To MK and his wife from the composer, violist and violinist Rebecca Friskin [née Clarke, who married the composer James Friskin in 1944]. Relates to: a recent meeting with the Kennedys; MK's Hallé book [
From the pianist, Joseph Cooper, relating to Cooper's collaboration with RVW in turning his
From Jani Strasser, Head of Music Staff at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Lewes, Sussex, relating to a letter he received from RVW about opera in England.
Item is quoted in MK's book, p. 255.
From the composer [Edward] Benjamin Britten, granting permission to MK to quote his letter written to Ursula Vaughan Williams on RVW's death.
Item is printed in MK's book, p. 346.
From the American harmonica virtuoso, Larry Adler, confirming that RVW's
With conductor and composer, Muir Mathieson [who became prominent as a conductor of film music]. Relates to details of the music RVW composed for the films,
From Dock Mathieson, brother of Muir, relating to the music for the film
See also KEN/3/1/83.
From Ian Dalrymple of Wessex Film Productions Ltd, relating to the music for the film
No. 2 includes an anecdote about RVW mentioned in MK's book, p. 259.
From Edgar Anstey of British Transport Films, relating to the music for the film,
With John Huntley and Brenda Davies of the British Film Institute, relating to the films,
With Rev. G.J. Cuming, one of the two compilers of the RVW discography printed in MK's book. Relates to Cuming's progress with the compilation of the discography, and queries which arose regarding the correct titles of pieces, the whereabouts of different arrangements and recordings and their dates, and various other problems encountered. Notable works mentioned are: the French folk song,
With Ken Cameron of Anvil Films Ltd, relating to the films
Copy letter to the librarian at the Gaumont-British Film Library, with reply from H.G.W. Farmer at the Rank Organisation, relating to the film
With Rosamund Strode [who annotated RVW's folk-song collection and succeeded Imogen Holst as Benjamin Britten's amanuensis], relating to: RVW's folk song collecting (MK asks her to proof read Appendix Two of his book, which lists the folk songs collected by RVW); particular songs mentioned include
From Sophie Wyss [Swiss soprano who settled in Britain in 1925], relating to the French folk song,
See also KEN/3/1/112.
From violist, composer and author, Bernard Shore, referring to a remark [made by RVW], which he dates to the time of RVW's Fourth Symphony [1934].
Item is referred to in MK's book, p. 246.
To Jane Middleton, Films Officer at the British Council, enquiring about the film,
From the portrait painter, [Sir] Gerald Kelly, listing his portraits of RVW for MK to select which he would like reproduced in his book.
From Hans Nieter, relating to details of the film,
From Roland Manuel in Paris relating to a performance of RVW's
In French.
See also KEN/3/1/75 and KEN/3/1/98.
With V. Fédorov of the Bibliothèque du Conservatoire de Musique, Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris, relating to the 1912 performance of RVW's
In French.
See also KEN/3/1/75 and KEN/3/1/97.
With Guy Brenton of Morse Films Ltd, relating to the film
From Peter Starbuck, who compiled the bibliography published in MK's book as Appendix Three. Contents relate to the progress of the bibliography, its appearance in proof form, additions to be made etc.
To F.G. Sutherland of Dorking Urban District Council, protesting against the proposed demolition of The White Gates, RVW's former Dorking home.
With D.M. Moss, Librarian at the Radio Times Hulton Picture Library, regarding pictures MK wishes to reproduce in his book.
From Richard Elwes [son of the tenor Gervase Elwes], relating to a photograph of his father which MK requires for his book, and his father's friendship with RVW.
From the cartoonist, designer and writer, Osbert Lancaster, relating to the film,
Item is quoted in MK's book, p. 589.
From the violist, Lionel Tertis, replying to a request made by MK for photographs.
From Jeffrey Dell, writer and director of the film,
From June Addison-Smith, Secretary to the violinist, Yehudi Menuhin, suggesting contacts who might be able to supply information on performances of RVW's
From Geoffrey Dearmer, giving some information about his mother, the writer [Jessie] Mabel Dearmer, and his father, the Rev. Percy Dearmer [clergyman, scholar, art connoisseur and sociologist, who persuaded RVW to become musical editor of
From Roger J. Coward, director of the Arts Festival at the University College of North Wales, Bangor, relating to a showing at the festival of the film,
From Yanya [Hornstein, a friend of the Vaughan Williamses from Dorking], relating to performances of Bach's
From John Wilson of Charterhouse School, Godalming, who supplies a date and names [relating to a concert of work by RVW and his friend, H. Vivian Hamilton, which he organized whilst a pupil at Charterhouse in August 1888].
From the Institut Français du Royaume-Uni in London, regarding the date of the concert given by Sophie Wyss at the Institut in 1952.
See also KEN/3/1/92.
From Basil Ashmore, relating to the score of RVW's incidental music to Maeterlinck's
See also KEN/3/1/7.
From Nellie Kelly, who, with her husband Cuthbert, was a former member of the English Singers, a group which performed RVW's folk songs widely in the 1920s. Relates to MK's attempts to track down the manuscript of RVW's folk song arrangement of
See also KEN/3/1/14, KEN/3/1/36, KEN/3/1/73 and KEN/3/1/88.
With Dame Frances Farrer [the daughter of Lady Farrer, joint founder with RVW's sister, Margaret, of the Leith Hill Festival]. Relates to RVW's Cantata,
From the pianist Harriet Cohen, asking MK to give her a resumé of the information she gave him for his book, so she can use it in her autobiography.
From R.N. Wood of the printers, Ebenezer Baylis and Son Ltd, relating to a correction made to a galley proof of MK's book.
Signed by Ralph Schwiller [son of Isidore Schwiller, who was a friend of RVW and leader of Leith Hill Orchestra for many years], and describing an occasion when RVW conducted a performance of his
Item is quoted in Ursula Vaughan Williams,
From the music critic, William Mann, referring to a journalistic piece on Elgar he has written and A[lan] E[dgar] F[rederick] D[ickinson]'s book [
Miscellaneous material generated during research and writing of the RVW biography. Consists of: 10 sheets of MK's very rough notes (no. 1); 2 lines of musical notation (tune of
Bundle of programmes for concerts at which RVW works were performed. These may originally have been kept with letters sent to MK and subsequently became separated. Includes: first performance of
This sub-series contains correspondence relating to MK's research for his volume,
3 copy letters from MK to different individuals, the first 2 relating to permission to use material in the volume and the third an enquiry about Elgar's Suite for Oboe: (1) to Sir George Schuster; (2) to Sir Ralph Millais; (3) to Leon Goossens.
Typescript.
Bundle of letters from Anthony [Mulgan] at Oxford University Press Music Department (who was overseeing the publication of MK's Elgar volume), together with copies of MK's replies. Contents relate to: suggested amendments and a blurb for the book; corrections; photographic plates; and general matters relating to publication such as the title, dust jacket, publication date, and advance copies. Also includes corrections for the revised edition; various bundles of insertions and amendments made by MK, as well as his version of a blurb; a sample extract from the book showing typeface, layout etc.
Bundle of letters from Edward Elgar's daughter, to whom MK applied for information when researching his book on Elgar. Carice Elgar Blake read the typescript version of the volume in instalments, offering her opinions, additional information, and corrections [her suggested alterations have been made by hand to the typescript KEN/2/1]. She showed great interest in the project and she and MK became good friends as a result of their contact over the book. Her letters give an insight into her own opinions on her father and illuminate certain personal aspects of the man. Topics of interest covered include: the genesis of her own name, Carice, and the secret of the
No. 6 is a loose sheet which has become separated at some point from one of the letters: it consists of comments by Blake on the whereabouts of [August] Jaeger's letters to Elgar.
This sub-series consists of 2 miscellaneous items which do not obviously belong in any other category. These consist of: 6 typescript sheets of interview questions obviously intended for Sir John Barbirolli; and 2 sheets describing pictures possibly intended as illustrations for a book, along with their dimensions, and including various famous composers, musicians, conductors etc.
This series is the first of two from the accrual to the original collection.
Included are the manuscript versions of two of Kennedy's books: biographies of Adrian Boult and, for the Master Musicians series, Benjamin Britten; there is also a manuscript copy of his article 'English Music, 1901 – 1945'. In addition there are photocopies of his research material on Richard Strauss, articles on performances for written for
File relates to the compositional works of Richard Strauss and in particular Kennedy’s critical opinion of Strauss’s Tone Poems.
The file contains Kennedy’s photocopied research reference material, including short bibliographic articles on Strauss and articles relating to his works and various up coming performances. The majority of these articles were printed in
These folders contain a collection of photographs relating to the personal life of Richard Strauss, for use in Kennedy’s biography of Strauss.
Also included is a telegram sent to Strauss granting him permission to perform his music in Germany under Nazi rule as well as photographs of Strauss with Nazi officers.
File contains a full handwritten draft of Kennedy’s biographic work on composer Benjamin Britten. The manuscript is amended and annotated.
File contains complete manuscripts, typed and handwritten, for the monograph biography of Adrian Boult by Kennedy. Typed manuscript is 495 pages.
File contains a full handwritten draft of Kennedy’s biographic work on conductor Adrian Boult. The manuscript is amended and annotated.
This series is the second of two from the accrual to the original collection.
It contains Kennedy's published writings over many formats, but also research for some of his articles, books and broadcast work; lecture notes, with particular reference to Richard Strauss, Elgar and Manchester's musical institutions; programmes from the concerts, festivals, and events he attended; annual reports from the Royal Northern College of Music; and some musical scores.
The published works include:
These cover his work for, among others: Abbey Records, BBC Australia (Mastermind), BBC Radio 3 (‘Record Review’ and ‘Building a Library’), Caedom Arabesque Recordings, Chandos, Decca, Deutsche Grammophon, EMI,
Among the orchestras discussed are the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra; BBC Symphony Orchestra; Glyndebourne Festival Opera; Hallé Orchestra; London Symphony Orchestra; London Philharmonic Orchestra; Manchester Camerata; Metropolitan Opera, New York; Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra; Rutland Sinfonia; San Francisco Opera; The Royal Northern College of Music; Wexford Festival, and many others.
Also contained are two cricket reviews for
These files contain various Kennedy articles on Strauss’s Tone Poems. These articles take the form of programme notes for predominantly, both the Hallé and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras as well as recording and sleeve notes for multiple classical music record labels, including Chandos, Deutsche Grammophon, and Virgin Classics.
Also included are a selection of biographical articles relating to Strauss, in particular his early life including an article for the 1993 Salzburg Easter Festival entitled ‘Strauss on the Road to Greatness’ as well as an entry [on Strauss] for the 1989
This box file consists of Kennedy’s writings referring to Strauss’s operatic works, in particular
File contains material relating to an article entitled ‘Strauss Tone Poems by Michael Kennedy’. Final copy and annotated drafts are included.
File containing material relating to the orchestral works of Elgar, in particular Kennedy’s thoughts on Edward Elgar’s ‘Enigma’ theme and variations. Kennedy’s research into these variations is shown here by photographs of the people in Elgar’s life who inspired these variations, most predominantly Elgar’s friendship with August Jaeger.
Kennedy’s writings also go into detail regarding Elgar’s connection to the city of Worcester and the importance of the statue in honour of the composer erected in 1981.
File contains articles, reviews, programmes (Proms 1981), music sheets and notes for talks on Mahler’s
File contains a luncheon menu for the Manchester United Executive Suite, a Buxton Museum and Art Gallery guide on Shakespeare’s heroines in the nineteenth century, annual reports for 1977/78 and 1979/80 for the Royal Northern College of Music, award programmes from the Royal Northern College of Music, newspaper article from the Daily Telegraph and various performance leaflets for
There are also programmes for performances of classical music and celebrational performances for Dame Eva Turner’s 90th birthday and the RNCM’s Michael Tippet birthday celebration. Also included is an entry for the
File contains programmes and reviews written by Kennedy for various performances of works by composers [William] Walton, [Guiseppe] Verdi, [Richard] Wagner and [Carl Maria von] Weber. This includes performances of
File containing essays and performance reviews of [Benjamin] Britten, [Johannes] Brahms and [Ludwig von] Beethoven. Also included are scores and recital reviews and programmes for music by [Bela] Bartok, Beethoven, [Alban] Berg, [Hector] Berlioz, [Arthur] Bliss, Brahms, [Anton] Bruckner, [Frank] Bridge and [John] Bennet.
File contains articles, programmes, biographies, notes and performance reviews featuring, among others: Karl Brohm [Böhm?], David Pountney, Adrian Boult, Charles Hallé, Thomas Beecham, Hamilton Harty, Adolph Brodsky and Neville Cardus.
Also included are articles on the composer Edward Elgar including reviews of ‘Violin Concerto in B minor and E minor’, ‘Symphony no.1 in A Flat major’, ‘Symphony no.2 in E flat major’ and ‘Enigma’.
File contains a collection of both typed and handwritten scripts for lectures given by Michael Kennedy. While the subjects of these lectures are varied, they are centred around Kennedy’s self-confessed heroes of Edward Elgar and Richard Strauss, and on Manchester’s musical heritage, in particular the Hallé Orchestra.
Also included is an audio recording of Michael Kennedy’s lecture entitled ‘Strauss – Elgar Wives’.
The location and venues of these lectures have also been marked which helps to show the wide scope of Kennedy’s involvement in the music scene. Many lectures were given for the Elgar Society, and venues include Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall and London’s Royal College of Music.
File contains BBC Australia Mastermind questions constructed by Michael Kennedy on the life and works of various composers including Edward Elgar, Frederick Delius, Sergei Rachmaninov [Rachmaninoff], Benjamin Britten, William Walton, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Richard Strauss, Gustav Holst and Franz Schubert. Kennedy also constructed questions on more general classical musical knowledge such as orchestral music 1830-1950 and English composers between 1900-1950.
Also included are reviews for the BBC World Service: musical broadcasts, book reviews and a review of the Wildflower Letters between Elgar and Mrs Alice Stuart Wortley.
There are two scripts written by Kennedy in aid of BBC programmes dedicated to the English composer Edward Elgar and Italian opera singer Enrico Caruso.
File contains radio scripts on various musical figures, including Britten, Mahler, Strauss, and Hallé. It also contains scripts for other musical talks and lectures.
Also included are programmes and notices from the years 1988-1990. They include organisations, events and venues, such as the RNCM [Royal Northern College of Music], the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Hallé Orchestra, Manchester Camerata, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Munich Festival, Tippett/Debussy celebrations and the Barbican Theatre.
This file contains various scripts for radio broadcasts, particularly relating to programmes ‘Record Review’ and ‘Building a Library’. In the latter programme Kennedy outlines his top ten musical recordings.
The other recordings feature Kennedy in his capacity as an expert on Richard Strauss and Edward Elgar for BBC Radio 3 broadcasts in both composer specific programs as well as broader, thematic ones.
File contains reviews written for
File contains
File contains an article written for the Cambridge Guide to the Arts in Britain entitled ‘The Victorian Music Scene, 1850-1900’. Within this article, Kennedy highlights the major composition, composers, conductors and revolutionary concerts of the era offering us his favourable regard to the key figures of the time.
Final copy and annotated drafts are included.
File contains article entitled ‘British Music 1901-1945’, in which Kennedy gives his critical understanding of the major works, composers and conductors of the time period.
Also contains folder labelled ‘Odds & Ends of Articles’ containing MS notes, newspaper cuttings and magazine supplements, and A4 phone book with TS correspondence and newspaper cuttings inserted.
Files contain programmes for performances by the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Choral Society, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society; as well as
Files contain programmes and notes written by Michael Kennedy for performances by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Endellion String Quartet, Rutland Sinfonia, Summer Weekend of English Music, BBC Proms and Kent Opera.
File includes: book reviews written by Michael Kennedy for
There are two cricket reviews for
Also included are a selection of articles written for
File contains programmes, reviews and notices from the years 1991-1992.
File contains programmes and reviews, including performances of various plays and operas such as:
It also features performances by the BBC Philharmonic, Hallé Orchestra, The Vermeer Quartet, Manchester Chamber Concerts Society, RNCM [Royal Northern College of Music] and Berlin Philharmonic.
File contains programmes, reviews and notices, including performances in the Manchester Free Trade Hall, the Camerata, The Royal Opera House, RNCM Symphony Orchestra, Walton Programme, the Wexford Festival, BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Hallé Orchestra.
File contains the entirety of Kennedy’s writings during and throughout the years 1997 and 1998, and a collection of concert and theatrical performance programmes which include Hallé orchestral concerts to chamber music performances at the Royal College of Music.
Also included are Kennedy’s reviews of each performance, which were published in
File contains the entirety of Kennedy’s writings relating to music during and throughout the years 2001 and 2002.
File contains the entirety of Kennedy’s writings relating to music during and throughout the years 2003 and 2004.
File contains the entirety of Kennedy’s writings relating to music during and throughout the years 2005 and 2006.
File contains the entirety of Kennedy’s writings relating to music during and throughout the years 2007 and 2008.
The files contains articles focusing on multiple composers and cultural institutions. The first file showcases Kennedy’s writings for the Glyndebourne Opera House their multiple festivals of W. A. Mozart, Albert Herring and Richard Strauss all for program brochures during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The second file consists of Record Company recording and sleeve notes. Composers include Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Handel, Delius, Richard Strauss and Holst and are written for multiple recording companies including EMI, Caedom Arabesque Recordings, Abbey Records and Deutsche Grammophon.
The loose manuscripts found in this file are, for the most part, reflections of Manchester’s musical heritage and the importance of the city’s musical institutions such as the Halle Orchestra, RNCM and Chetham’s School of Music. The remaining loose manuscripts consist of mostly undated articles relating to various composers including Richard Strauss and Edward Elgar.
File contains Kennedy’s record reviews of various classical works. The first collection of material relates to Kennedy’s contemporary reviews of contemporary classical music, classical artists and his rating of new record releases.
Additional material relates to contemporary reviews of older classical works, released between the years 1977 and 1985.