Marc Blitzstein Papers, 1918-1989

Summary Information

Title: Marc Blitzstein Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1918-1989

Creator:
  • Blitzstein, Marc, 1905-1964
Call Number: U.S. Mss 35AN; Micro 1049; Disc 33A; Disc 161A; Audio 513A; Audio 554A; Audio 740A; Audio 761A; Audio 763A; Audio 764A; Audio 773A; Audio 1049A

Quantity: 40.0 cubic feet (39 archives boxes and 74 flat boxes), 71 reels of microfilm (35 mm), 23 tape recordings, and 114 disc recordings

Repository:
Wisconsin Historical Society Archives / Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research
Contact Information

Archival Locations:
Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)

Abstract:
Personal and professional papers of Marc Blitzstein, a composer, lyricist, and librettist best known for his concern with making his work socially as well as artistically significant. The collection documents the creative process of composition and of Blitzstein's efforts to reconcile the political, psychological, and musical aspects of composition. Blitzstein was most famous for: his operas The Cradle Will Rock (1937), Regina (1949), Reuben, Reuben (1955), and Juno (1959); his motion picture score for Native Land (Frontier Films, 1942); The Airborne Symphony (1946); and his adaptation of The Threepenny Opera (1954). The collection is comprised chiefly of scores and scripts, with recordings, related correspondence, research material, and clippings, pertaining to Blitzstein's work in motion pictures, opera, ballet, theater, and symphonic orchestra. Also included are personal papers such as correspondence, contracts, notebooks and journals concerning his travels, writings and lecture materials, and scrapbooks of newspaper clippings and memorabilia, and a taped interview of Blitzstein and opera singer Lina Abarbanell. Papers of Blitzstein's wife, Eva Goldbeck (1901-1936), including many personal letters, journals, and unpublished writings, are also present.

Note:

There is a restriction on use of this material; see the Administrative/Restriction Information portion of this finding aid for details.



Language: English, with some German and French

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-us0035an