Grauman's Theatres scores

Collection

Identifier: CoU-AMRC-113

Staff Only

Scope and contents

Printed scores and parts for 3,845 orchestrations from the late nineteenth century and through the Silent Film Era, believed to have been collected originally in one or more libraries in Sid Grauman's theatre empire. The collection includes scores and parts, orchestrated primarily for large orchestra. Some scores contain property marks from individuals such as composer Rudolph Kopp or conductor Charles Gluck. Many bear the property stamp of "Grauman's Theatres." The collection includes the card catalogue used by California Lutheran University to access the scores. Many of the scores have been digitized by Rodney Sauer and may be made available.

Dates

Majority of material found in 1882-1937

Language of Materials

Music scores with no linguistic content

Access Restrictions

This collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

Most material is believed to be in the public domain in the United States. Requests for permission to use non-public domain material must be directed to the appropriate right holder. The University of Colorado does not hold any intellectual rights to the works in the collection.

Extent

83 boxes (ca. 120 linear feet)

Additional Description

Abstract

Printed scores and parts for 3,845 orchestrations from the late nineteenth century and through the Silent Film Era.

Arrangement

Materials are arranged according to the file numbers, contained in the original envelopes, corresponding to the origianl catalogue (from California Lutheran University) accompanying the collection. Description in this finding aid reflects a rapid, pre-processing description of the containers in their original state. Inconsistencies between this description and the actual containers is expected.

Three-digit box numbers in this description reflect containers that are presumed to be present but appear missing at present. Please contact the AMRC for updated information.

Physical Location

Housed in Norlin Library

Custodial History

Based on property stamps, the collection is believed to have originated in the libraries of one or more theatres in Sid Grauman's theatre empire, especially the "Million Dollar Theatre," the "Metropolitan Theatre," and the "Chinese Theatre," all based in Los Angeles. The scores were saved from destruction in the 1970s by an unknown individual, and subsequently acquired by California Lutheran College (later California Lutheran University). The scores were given to pianist and conductor Robert Israel in 1995-96. Rodney Sauer purchased the scores from Israel in 2013, prior to donating them to the American Music Research Center.

Provenance

Collection was given to the American Music Research Center by Rodney Sauer, in 2019.

Accruals

No further accruals are expected to this collection.

General

Entries contain the file number from the California Lutheran Univerisity (CLU). CLU file numbers overlap as works are often published in groups.

Publisher's series note denotes an inconsistent numbering used by publishers that may help identify useful editions.

Orchestration notes generally mark the number of available copies. Editions are assumed to include each of the following unless marked: Piano/Conductor; Violin (1, 2); Viola; Violoncello; Contrabass; Flute; Clarinet (1, 2); Oboe; Bassoon; Trumpet/Cornet (1, 2); Trombone(s); Horns, Percussion, Harp (optional), Harmonium (optional)

Processing History

The collection is not yet fully processed. The scores are housed in the original containers (many of which weigh more than 80 lbs) that were received by the American Music Research Center in June, 2019. Rehousing (and subsequent renumbering of the description) is expected in the future. This description is based on the current physical housing of the materialm, and is expected to change.