Papers and compositions of William Beatton Moonie, 1883-1961, composer

Scope and Content

  • Compositions: 8 cantatas, 6 part-songs, 17 songs, 5 organ and 7 piano pieces, 17 items of chamber music, 12 orchestral works including part of a piano concerto, and 2 operas
  • Concert programmes including works by William Moonie 1913-1945
  • Correspondence with George Farmer concerning Moonie's compositions
  • Press cuttings
  • Short biography and list of compositions of W B Moonie

Administrative / Biographical History

William Beatton Moonie was born in Stobo, Scotland in 1883, although his home throughout his life was Edinburgh, Scotland. He was educated at Daniel Stewart's College, Edinburgh, and studied piano under Arthur W Dace. He attended music classes at the University of Edinburgh under Professor F E Niecks, gaining a MusB in 1902. In 1905 he gained a Bucher scholarship and attended the Hock Conservatoire at Frankfurt-am-Maine, Germany, where he studied composition under Ivan Knorr and piano under Uzielli and Willil Rehberg. After 3 years he returned to Edinburgh in 1908, later receiving further tuition in composition from Sir Donald Tovey.

In 1910 he was appointed as assistant lecturer at Edinburgh Provincial Training College before becoming music master at his old school, Daniel Stewart College in 1915. In 1919 he was appointed music master at George Heriot's School and then at Dean's College in 1948. In 1945 he was appointed as an examiner to the London School of Music.

His compositions included 3 operas, 2 symphonies, 3 symphonic poems, overtures, and chamber music. As well as composing and teaching, William Moonie also conducted the Edinburgh Catholic Choral Association and in 1924 succeeded his father, J A Moonie, as conductor of Mr Moonie's Choir. He died in 1961.

Arrangement

The arrangement of this material reflects the original order in which it was received

Access Information

Access is open, however an appointment may be required. Please email Archives and Special Collections for advice: library-asc@glasgow.ac.uk

Acquisition Information

Gift : William Moonie : January 1961 : ACCN 4619

Other Finding Aids

Conditions Governing Use

Reproduction subject to usual conditions: educational use and condition of documents. Applications for permission to quote should be sent to Archives and Special Collections, please email: library-asc@glasgow.ac.uk

Appraisal Information

This material has been appraised in line with standard GB 247 procedures

Custodial History

Donated by W B Moonie through Henry Farmer in 1961

Accruals

None expected

Related Material

GB 233 Acc 5660 Manuscripts and correspondence of William Moonie including 32 works and arrangements by him and 2 works of his father J A Moonie