]> MSS-131 ALEXANDER SEMMLER PAPERS, (MSS-131), 1914-1977 Catherine Oliver M. E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives
1400 Washington Avenue / Albany, New York 12222
© 2011 By the University at Albany, SUNY. All rights reserved. Catherine Oliver2011 English Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) ALEXANDER SEMMLER PAPERS, 1914-1977 M. E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives 2011

&contact;

 Descriptive Summary Alexander Semmler Papers 1914-1977 10.5 cubic ft. M. E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University at Albany, SUNY The Alexander Semmler Papers contain music written by Alexander Semmler, both published and unpublished, as well as some of his notes and correspondence. The materials in the collection are in English, German, and Spanish, with notations within music in Italian. The materials are located onsite in the department. Access

Access to this record group is unrestricted.

Copyright

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of copyright. Whenever possible, the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives will provide information about copyright owners and other restrictions, but the legal determination ultimately rests with the researcher. Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

Performance Rights

Performance of music from the Alexander Semmler Papers is by application only. If a performance is recorded or in some other manner documented, a copy must be provided to the Department of Special Collections and Archives. An invitation to all performances must be provided to Iliana Semmler or her designee.

 Acquisition Information

This collection was donated by Dr. Iliana Semmler in January 2003.

Biographical Sketch

Alexander Semmler was born in Dortmund, Germany, on 12 November 1900. He began composing music in adolescence and toured Europe and the United States as a pianist at the age of fifteen. He studied piano with Josef Pembaur and composition with Gustav Jenner, and later studied philosophy and musicology at the universities of Marburg, Berlin, and Munich. He emigrated to the United States as a young man and became an American citizen in 1930. Semmler worked as a pianist with the CBS Symphony and later as a staff conductor and composer at CBS, writing music both under his own name and under the pseudonym Ralph Sandor (or Zandor). He served as the American administrator for the Rudfunk im Amerikanischen Sektor (RIAS) in Berlin from 1951 to 1952. He was later invited to Mexico, where he was instrumental in organizing the Centro de Compositores Mexicanos. From 1955 until 1970, he was the New York music director for TRF Music, Inc. and Picture Scores, Inc. During that same time, he served as program director of the Maverick Concerts in Woodstock, N. Y. Semmler died in Kingston, N. Y., on 24 April 1977.

The information provided above was gleaned from the following sources, in addition to those found in the Alexander Semmler Papers themselves: "Semmler, Alexander." Contemporary American Composers: A Biographical Dictionary. Ed. E. Ruth Anderson. Boston: G. K. Hall, 1982. "Henry Cowell: Trio for Violin, 'cello, and Piano (1965); Alexander Semmler: Trio for Violin, 'cello, and Piano, Op. 40 (1964)." (see www.newworldrecords.org/uploads/fileuordz.pdf).

Scope and Content Information

The collection consists primarily of music written by Alexander Semmler, both in print and in manuscript. Among the compositions are symphonic works, chamber music, and works for various instruments, including piano and voice. There are also sketches for later compositions and notebooks with melodic ideas, both titled and untitled. The papers also include music written by Mr. Semmler under the pseudonym of Ralph Sandor (or Zandor), which is more commercially oriented than those pieces signed in his own name. Much of the music in the collection has never been published.

Also included in the papers are certain items kept with his musical compositions by Alexander Semmler; these miscellanea are noted in the individual series scope notes. Materials are arranged within series either by opus number or alphabetically, if no opus number is present (Series 5 is an exception- please see its scope note for details). Some of the items include emendations tipped in or fastened with tape. Many bear markings or annotations in a hand other than Alexander Semmler's. These were not made by the processing archivist. When these markings included dates, those were included in the folder listing as approximate dates.

It should be noted that while there are multiple copies of most of the items in the Semmler Papers, these copies are often not identical, as many of the manuscripts have corrections or notations by the composer that vary from instance to instance. This is why the archivist elected to retain them. Due to the number of fragile and oversized items in the collection, materials pertaining to the same work may not be housed in the same physical location.

 Arrangement of the Collection

The papers are arranged in seven series:

Series 1 - Symphonic Works, 1953, Undated Series 2 - Works for Piano and Organ, 1941, 1956, Undated Series 3 - Chamber Music, 1940-1977, Undated Series 4 - Instrumental Works Without an Opus Number, 1916-1964, Undated Series 5 - Vocal and Choral Music, 1914-1968, Undated Series 6 - Works as Ralph Sandor, 1940-1950, Undated Series 7 - Sketches and Notebooks, 1919-1954, Undated

Materials arranged within series by opus number. Materials without an opus number arranged alphabetically by folder title.

 Subject and Genre Headings Semmler, Alexander, 1900-1977 Pembaur, Josef, 1875-1950 Jenner, Gustav, 1865-1920 Brunetti-Pisano, August, 1870-1943 Knab, Armin, 1881-1951 Herrmann, Bernard, 1911-1975 Lear, Edward, 1812-1888 Machado, Antonio, 1812-1896 Cowell, Henry, 1897-1965 Burnet, Dana, 1888-1962 Castaneda, Daniel Perez, 1901-1980 Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc. Rundfunk im Amerikanischen Sektor (Berlin, Germany) Composers--United States--20th century Symphonies Piano music Organ music Chamber music Vocal music Songs Incidental music Radio music Dance music Tangos Amateur films--Songs and music Jazz Woodstock (N. Y.) Sheet music Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Identification of specific item, series, box, folder, Alexander Semmler Papers, 1914-1977. M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, State University of New York (hereafter referred to as the Semmler Papers).

 Container List Series 1: Symphonic Works 1.94 cubic ft. 1953, Undated

Arranged by opus number.

This series consists of works written by Alexander Semmler for symphony orchestra. The Symphony No. 3, dedicated to RIAS-Berlin, is the longest of these; the title on the full orchestral score is in English, and the parts and corrections are in German, with musical notations in Italian. The other works are all in English, with musical notations in Italian.

 1 1 Opus 18: Sinfonietta (1): To Davidson Taylor (alt. title: Symphony No. 1) Bound manuscript score Undated 1 1-8 Opus 18: Sinfonietta (1): To Davidson Taylor (alt. title: Symphony No. 1) Printed parts: Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Bass, Flute 1 and 2, Oboe 1 and 2, Clarinet 1 and 2, Bassoon, Horn 1 and 2, Trumpet 1 and 2, Trombone, and Drums Undated 2 2 Opus 20: Manhattan Diary: Impressions and Vignettes for Symphony Orchestra Manuscript score Undated 2 3 Opus 20: Manhattan Diary: Impressions and Vignettes for Symphony Orchestra Onionskin manuscript score Undated 1 2 Opus 21: Second Symphony Manuscript score Undated 2 1 Opus 21: Second Symphony Onionskin manuscript score Undated 2 4 Opus 22: Horizons: A Symphonic Ode Manuscript score Undated 2 5 Opus 22: Horizons: A Symphonic Ode Onionskin manuscript score Undated 3 1 Opus 23: Symphony No. 3: Dedicated to RIAS-Berlin (alt. title: Dritte Simfonie) Manuscript score 1953 1 9 Opus 23: Symphony No. 3: Dedicated to RIAS-Berlin (alt. title: Dritte Simfonie) Undated Korrekturen

Typed corrections.

 1 10-16 Opus 23: Symphony No. 3: Dedicated to RIAS-Berlin (alt. title: Dritte Simfonie) Printed string parts Undated 4 1 Opus 23: Symphony No. 3: Dedicated to RIAS-Berlin (alt. title: Dritte Simfonie) Printed non-string parts Undated Series 2: Works for Piano and Organ 1.16 cubic ft. 1941, ca. 1956, Undated

Arranged by opus number.

This series consists of works written by Alexander Semmler for solo piano and organ. Included in this series is a photocopied clipping of a newspaper review of a concert led by Semmler and featuring one of his works. It is housed with the item to which it was originally attached. All items are in English, with musical notations in Italian.

 1 17 Opus 2: Six Miniatures for Piano Solo Printed score 1941 1 18-20 Opus 2a: Three Nocturnes for Piano (alt. title: Three Pieces for Piano) Manuscript score Undated 5 1 Opus 2a: Three Nocturnes for Piano (alt. title: Three Pieces for Piano) Onionskin manuscript score Undated 1 21-22 Opus 5: First Piano Sonata Manuscript score Undated

Folder 22 includes a photocopy of a newspaper clipping originally pinned to that manuscript by Semmler.

 5 2 Opus 5: First Piano Sonata Onionskin manuscript score Undated 1 23 Opus 6: Scherzo (for Piano) Manuscript score Undated 5 3 Opus 6: Scherzo (for Piano) Onionskin manuscript score Undated 1 24-27 Opus 7: (Twelve) Poems without Words (for Piano) Manuscript scores; partial manuscript score Undated 5 4 Opus 7: (Twelve) Poems without Words (for Piano) Onionskin manuscript score Undated 1 28-29 Opus 9: (Second) Suite for Piano (Hommage a Prokofieff) (: March) Manuscript score Undated 5 5 Opus 9: (Second) Suite for Piano (Hommage a Prokofieff) (: March) Onionskin manuscript score Undated 1 30-33 Opus 11: Sonata for Piano (alt. title: Second Piano Sonata) Manuscript score Undated 5 6 Opus 11: Sonata for Piano (alt. title: Second Piano Sonata) Onionskin manuscript score Undated 1 34-35 Opus 12: Third Piano Sonata (alt. title: Piano Sonata No. 3) Manuscript score Undated 5 7 Opus 12: Third Piano Sonata (alt. title: Piano Sonata No. 3) Onionskin manuscript score Undated 1 36 Opus 20: Manhattan Diary: Moods and Impressions for Piano Manuscript score Undated 5 8 Opus 20: Manhattan Diary: Moods and Impressions for Piano Onionskin manuscript score Undated 1 37 Opus 27: Four Old Dances in New Style for Harpsichord or Piano Manuscript score Undated 5 9 Opus 27: Four Old Dances in New Style for Harpsichord or Piano Onionskin manuscript score Undated 1 38 Opus 31: Three Sonatinas for Piano Manuscript score ca. 1956 5 10 Opus 31: Three Sonatinas for Piano Onionskin manuscript score Undated 1 39-41 Opus 32: Musical Notebook: For Nikky Manuscript score ca. 1956 Undated

Score is divided into two parts, consisting of four volumes each. Folder 40 contains a revised and augmented score of Part 1, Volume 1.

 5 11-13 Opus 32: Musical Notebook: For Nikky: Part One, Volumes 1 to 4 Onionskin manuscript score Undated

Score is divided into two parts, consisting of four volumes each. Folder 12 contains a revised and augmented score of Part 1, Volume 1.

 1 42 Opus 38: The Challenge: Fantasy for Organ Manuscript score Undated 5 14 Opus 38: The Challenge: Fantasy for Organ Onionskin manuscript score Undated 1 43 Opus 41: Five Preludes and Fugues for Piano Manuscript score Undated 5 15 Opus 41: Five Preludes and Fugues for Piano Onionskin manuscript score Undated 1 44 Opus 42: Eight Two-Part Inventions for Piano Manuscript score Undated 5 16 Opus 42: Eight Two-Part Inventions for Piano Onionskin manuscript score Undated 1 45 Opus 46: Fleeting Moments: Three Pieces for Piano Manuscript score Undated

Materials marked "Opus 48".

 5 17 Opus 46: Fleeting Moments: Three Pieces for Piano Onionskin manuscript score Undated

Materials marked "Opus 48".

 Series 3: Chamber Music 2.98 cubic ft. 1940-1977, Undated

Arranged by opus number.

This series consists of works written by Alexander Semmler for string or chamber orchestra and other chamber ensembles, both with and without piano accompaniment. Also included in this series is a program from a memorial concert given for Semmler, which was stored with the materials. Some items have attached descriptions of their genesis and performance history, possibly intended originally as program notes. These descriptions, all typewritten, may or may not be Semmler's work. Please note that the notations for the Opus 15 and the Opus 16 items are in German. This fact, coupled with the items' original housing in a RIAS folder, would suggest that they were created during Semmler's time with RIAS, although this is not a certainty.

2 1 Program for Alexander Semmler memorial concert 1977 2 2 Opus 1: Pastoral Suite for Strings (or String Orchestra) 1940 Manuscript score 2 3 Opus 1: Pastoral Suite for Strings (or String Orchestra) 1942 Printed score 2 4 Opus 1: Pastoral Suite for Strings (or String Orchestra) 1942 Printed 1st violin parts 2 5 Opus 1: Pastoral Suite for Strings (or String Orchestra) 1942 Printed 2nd violin parts 2 6 Opus 1: Pastoral Suite for Strings (or String Orchestra) 1942 Printed viola parts 2 7 Opus 1: Pastoral Suite for Strings (or String Orchestra) 1942 Printed violincello parts 2 8 Opus 1: Pastoral Suite for Strings (or String Orchestra) 1942 Printed bass parts 2 9 Opus 3: Serenade for String Orchestra 1945 Printed score 6 1 Opus 4: Quintet for Wind Instruments (Woodwind Quintet) Undated Manuscript full score 6 2 Opus 4: Quintet for Wind Instruments (Woodwind Quintet) Undated Onionskin manuscript full score and parts 6 3 Opus 4: Quintet for Wind Instruments (Woodwind Quintet) Undated Onionskin manuscript parts 2 10 Opus 8: Aria and Scherzo for Flute and String Orchestra 1949 Manuscript score 2 11 Opus 8: Aria and Scherzo for Flute and String Orchestra Undated Manuscript flute part 6 4 Opus 8: Aria and Scherzo for Flute and String Orchestra Undated Manuscript piano score and flute part 6 5 Opus 8: Aria and Scherzo for Flute and String Orchestra Undated Manuscript string parts 6 6 Opus 8: Aria and Scherzo for Flute and String Orchestra Undated Onionskin manuscript score and parts 6 7 Opus 8: Aria and Scherzo for Flute and String Orchestra Undated Onionskin manuscript piano arrangement 2 12-13 Opus 10: String Quartet No. 1 Undated Manuscript 1st and 2nd violin parts 2 14-15 Opus 10: String Quartet No. 1 Undated Manuscript viola and cello parts 6 8 Opus 10: String Quartet No. 1 Undated Manuscript full score 6 9 Opus 10: String Quartet No. 1 Undated Onionskin manuscript full score 6 10 Opus 10: String Quartet No. 1 Undated Onionskin manuscript parts 2 16-20 Opus 13: Rhapsodie Elegiaque for Cello and Chamber Orchestra Undated Manuscript string parts 2 21 Opus 13: Rhapsodie Elegiaque for Cello and Chamber Orchestra Undated Manuscript woodwind parts 2 22 Opus 13: Rhapsodie Elegiaque for Cello and Chamber Orchestra Undated Manuscript horn part 2 23 Opus 13: Rhapsodie Elegiaque for Cello and Chamber Orchestra Undated Manuscript piano part 7 1 Opus 13: Rhapsodie Elegiaque for Cello and Chamber Orchestra Undated Manuscript full score 7 2 Opus 13: Rhapsodie Elegiaque for Cello and Chamber Orchestra Undated Manuscript piano score 7 3 Opus 13: Rhapsodie Elegiaque for Cello and Chamber Orchestra Undated Manuscript cello part 7 4 Opus 13: Rhapsodie Elegiaque for Cello and Chamber Orchestra Undated Onionskin manuscript full score 7 5 Opus 13: Rhapsodie Elegiaque for Cello and Chamber Orchestra Undated Onionskin manuscript piano score and parts 7 6 Opus 14a: 1) Suite for Flute and Oboe; 2) Diversion for Flute and Oboe Undated Onionskin manuscript score 7 7 Opus 14b: 1) Diversion for Four Clarinets in B-flat; Diversion for Four Horns Undated Manuscript score 7 8 Opus 14b: 1) Diversion for Four Clarinets in B-flat; Diversion for Four Horns Undated Onionskin manuscript score 7 9 Opus 15: Sonata for Violin and Piano ca. 1951-1952 Manuscript score and typed notes

Notations in German.

 7 10 Opus 15: Sonata for Violin and Piano ca. 1951-1952 Manuscript piano score, manuscript violin part, and typed notes

Notations in German. Notes copies of those housed with manuscript score.

 7 11 Opus 15: Sonata for Violin and Piano ca. 1951-1952 Onionskin manuscript score and parts

Notations in German.

 2 24 Opus 16: Sonata for Two Solo Violins ca. 1951-1952 Manuscript score

Notations in German.

 2 25 Opus 16: Sonata for Two Solo Violins ca. 1951-1952 Manuscript Violine 1 part

Notations in German.

 2 26 Opus 16: Sonata for Two Solo Violins ca. 1951-1952 Manuscript Violine 2 part

Notations in German.

 8 1 Opus 16: Sonata for Two Solo Violins ca. 1951-1952 Onionskin manuscript score and parts

Notations in German.

 2 27-28 Opus 17: Concertino for Solo Flute and Solo Oboe with Strings/String Orchestra/String Quartet 1956 Manuscript piano reduction 8 2 Opus 17: Concertino for Solo Flute and Solo Oboe with Strings/String Orchestra/String Quartet 1956 Manuscript full score

Marked 'Opus 18.'

 8 3 Opus 17: Concertino for Solo Flute and Solo Oboe with Strings/String Orchestra/String Quartet 1956 Onionskin manuscript full score

Marked 'Opus 18.'

 8 4 Opus 17: Concertino for Solo Flute and Solo Oboe with Strings/String Orchestra/String Quartet 1956 Onionskin manuscript piano score, flute part, and oboe part

Marked 'Opus 18.'

 2 29 Opus 17: Concertino for Solo Flute and Solo Oboe with Strings/String Orchestra/String Quartet Undated Manuscript flute part 2 30 Opus 17: Concertino for Solo Flute and Solo Oboe with Strings/String Orchestra/String Quartet Undated Manuscript oboe part 2 31 Opus 19: Four Pieces for Violin Solo Undated Partial manuscript score

Nos. 1 and 4 only.

 8 5 Opus 19: Four Pieces for Violin Solo Undated Onionskin manuscript score and parts 8 6 Opus 20: Three Pieces from Manhattan Diary Arranged for Woodwind Quartet Undated Onionskin manuscript score and parts 2 32 Opus 28: Suite for Cello and Piano Undated Manuscript piano score 2 33 Opus 28: Suite for Cello and Piano Undated Manuscript cello part 8 7 Opus 28: Suite for Cello and Piano Undated Onionskin manuscript score 8 8 Opus 28: Suite for Cello and Piano Undated Partial onionskin manuscript score

"Serenade" only.

 2 34 Opus 33: Ode for Violin and Piano 1964 Manuscript piano score 8 9 Opus 33: Ode for Violin and Piano 1964 Onionskin manuscript piano score and violin part 2 35 Opus 33: Ode for Violin and Piano Undated Manuscript violin part 2 36 Opus 34: Rhapsody for Flute and Piano Undated Manuscript piano score 2 37 Opus 34: Rhapsody for Flute and Piano Undated Manuscript flute part and typed program notes 8 10 Opus 34: Rhapsody for Flute and Piano Undated Onionskin manuscript piano score and flute part 2 39-39 Opus 35: Sonata for Clarinet or Viola and Piano 1962 Manuscript piano score 8 11 Opus 35: Sonata for Clarinet or Viola and Piano 1962 Onionskin manuscript score and parts 2 40 Opus 35: Sonata for Clarinet or Viola and Piano Undated Manuscript clarinet part 2 41 Opus 35: Sonata for Clarinet or Viola and Piano Undated Manuscript viola part 2 42 Opus 36: Diversions for Viola and Bassoon 1962 Manuscript score 9 1 Opus 36: Diversions for Viola and Bassoon 1962 Onionskin manuscript score 2 43-44 Opus 37: Fantasy for Oboe, Violin, Viola, and Cello 1963 Manuscript score 9 2 Opus 37: Fantasy for Oboe, Violin, Viola, and Cello 1963 Onionskin manuscript score and parts 2 45 Opus 37: Fantasy for Oboe, Violin, Viola, and Cello Undated Manuscript parts 9 3 Opus 39: Prelude and Scherzo for Violin, Viola, and Cello 1964 Manuscript score 9 4 Opus 39: Prelude and Scherzo for Violin, Viola, and Cello 1964 Onionskin manuscript score and parts 2 46 Opus 39: Prelude and Scherzo for Violin, Viola, and Cello Undated Manuscript parts 2 47-49 Opus 40: Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano 1964 Manuscript full score 9 5 Opus 40: Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano 1964 Onionskin manuscript score and parts 2 50 Opus 40: Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano Undated Manuscript violin and cello parts 2 51 Opus 43: Theme and Variations for Four Bassoons Undated Manuscript score and photocopy 9 6 Opus 43: Theme and Variations for Four Bassoons Undated Onionskin manuscript score and parts 2 52 Opus 44: Elegy HC for String Quartet (in memory of Henry Cowell) Undated Manuscript score and typed reflections 9 7 Opus 44: Elegy HC for String Quartet (in memory of Henry Cowell) Undated Onionskin manuscript score and parts 2 53 Opus 45: Meditation and Capriccio for Flute and Piano (also arranged for Oboe or Clarinet and Piano) 1964 Manuscript full score 9 8 Opus 45: Meditation and Capriccio for Flute and Piano (also arranged for Oboe or Clarinet and Piano) 1964 Onionskin manuscript full score and parts 2 54-55 Opus 45: Meditation and Capriccio for Flute and Piano (also arranged for Oboe or Clarinet and Piano) Undated Manuscript flute part 2 56 Opus 45: Meditation and Capriccio for Flute and Piano (also arranged for Oboe or Clarinet and Piano) Undated Manuscript clarinet part 9 9 Opus 47: Quintet for Bassoon and String Quartet Undated Onionskin manuscript score and parts Series 4: Instrumental Works without an Opus Number 1.49 cubic ft. 1916-1964, Undated

Arranged alphabetically by folder title.

This series consists of those instrumental works written by Alexander Semmler under his own name that were never assigned an opus number by him. Included in this series is a collection of instrumental works that seems to date from Semmler's youth; this was entitled "Alexander Semmler: Early Instrumental Pieces" by the archivist. These materials are all in German, with Italian notations. Another work in this series is Semmler's "Entre dos Luces", for violin and string orchestra, which is in Spanish with Italian notations. All other materials in this series are in English with Italian notations. Also included in this series are the "Calendar Sketches," music written for sale to home-movie makers to accompany their films. The compositions are accompanied by a typescript describing the purpose of the music and suggesting uses for each piece. It is unclear whether this was written by Semmler.

 10 1 [Alexander Semmler: Early Instrumental Pieces] 1916 Manuscript score

In German.

 10 2 Along the Sawkill 1959 Manuscript full score 3 1 Buddy Taylor's Concerto 1948 Manuscript score

Written especially for a dramatized radio version of Dana Burnet's "The Grand March of the United States." Dedicated to the "Fellowship Series," U. S. Armed Forces Radio Service, April 12, 1948.

 3 2 [Calendar Sketches] Undated Typescript description and suggestions 3 3-6 [Calendar Sketches] 1956 Pieces 1-14: Manuscript score 3 7 Commercial Music for Celesta and Piano 1964 "Brisk Movement, Industrial, etc.": Typed index and manuscript score 3 8 Commercial Music for Celesta and Piano 1964 "Dramatic Character Pieces" and "Lyrical Pieces": Typed index and manuscript score 3 9 Commercial Music for Celesta and Piano 1964 Ink sketches with titles 3 10 Commercial Music for Celesta and Piano Undated Pencil sketches with titles 3 11 Commercial Music for Celesta and Piano Undated Pencil sketches without titles 10 3 Concert Waltz for Piano Undated Manuscript score 3 12 Duets for Strings in the First Position: Playable for Two Violins or Violin and Viola or Violin and Cello 1964 Manuscript full score 10 4 Duets for Strings in the First Position: Playable for Two Violins or Violin and Viola or Violin and Cello 1964 Onionskin manuscript score 3 13 Entre dos Luces: Fantasia para Violino y Orquesta de Cuerdas 1954 Manuscript score

"Al distinguido director y violinista, Maestro Daniel Perez Castaneda, con profundos sentimentos de respeto y de amistad." In Spanish.

 10 5 Entre dos Luces: Fantasia para Violino y Orquesta de Cuerdas 1954 Onionskin manuscript score and parts

"Al distinguido director y violinista, Maestro Daniel Perez Castaneda, con profundos sentimentos de respeto y de amistad." In Spanish.

 10 6 [Four Orchestral Pieces] 1960 Manuscript full score 10 7 Idyl for Piano 1938 Manuscript score 3 14 Improvisation for Guitar: To Jeanne and Jacob Andonian 1957 Manuscript score 10 8 Improvisation for Guitar: To Jeanne and Jacob Andonian 1957 Onionskin manuscript score 3 15 Improvisations for Piano Undated Manuscript score 10 9 Improvisations for Piano Undated Onionskin manuscript score 10 10 Minuet Undated Manuscript score 10 11 Mount Overlook 1959 Manuscript full score 3 16 Music for Recorder 1952 Dance for Sopranino Recorder and Piano: Manuscript score and recorder part 3 17 Music for Recorder 1952 Lullaby for Sopranino Recorder and Piano: Manuscript score and recorder part 3 18 Music for Recorder Undated Autumn Pastoral: Onionskin manuscript score and manuscript parts 3 19 Music for Recorder Undated [Pencil Sketches for Recorder]: Manuscript sketches 3 20 Nocturne for Flute, Viola, and Harp Undated Manuscript flute part 3 21 Nocturne for Flute, Viola, and Harp Undated Manuscript viola part 3 22 Nocturne for Flute, Viola, and Harp Undated Manuscript sketches 10 12 Nocturne for Flute, Viola, and Harp Undated Manuscript full score 10 13 Nocturne for Flute, Viola, and Harp Undated Onionskin manuscript score, flute part, and viola part 10 14 Nocturne for Orchestra and Piano Undated Manuscript full score 3 23 Pastoral(e) for Solo Oboe and Strings Undated Manuscript piano/oboe score 3 24 Pastoral(e) for Solo Oboe and Strings Undated Manuscript oboe part 11 1 Pastoral(e) for Solo Oboe and Strings Undated Manuscript full score 11 2 Pastoral(e) for Solo Oboe and Strings Undated Onionskin manuscript piano/oboe score 11 3 [Piano Pieces] Undated Bound manuscript score 3 25 Prairie Sunset for Harp Solo Undated Manuscript score 11 4 Prairie Sunset for Harp Solo Undated Onionskin manuscript score 11 5 Rush Hour Undated Manuscript full score 11 6 Six Easy Pieces for Piano Undated Manuscript score 3 26 Solemn Epilogue [for Concert Band] Undated Manuscript piano reduction 3 27 Solemn Epilogue [for Concert Band] Undated Manuscript woodwind parts 3 28 Solemn Epilogue [for Concert Band] Undated Manuscript brass parts 3 29 Solemn Epilogue [for Concert Band] Undated Manuscript percussion parts 11 7 Solemn Epilogue [for Concert Band] Undated Manuscript full score 3 30 Sonatina for Flute and Harp 1958 Manuscript full score 11 8 Space Cadets March Undated Manuscript full score 3 31 Thirty Easy Duets for Alto Recorder Undated Manuscript score 11 9 Thirty Easy Duets for Alto Recorder Undated Onionskin manuscript score 11 10 Tonal Canvases 1959: Musical Impressions of an Art Exhibit ca. 1959 Manuscript full score 11 11 Twilight Melody 1959 Manuscript full score 11 12 Two American Indian Scenes Undated Manuscript full score 3 32 Voodeko: A 20th Century Primitive Dance for Concert Band Undated Manuscript piano reduction 11 13 Voodeko: A 20th Century Primitive Dance for Concert Band Undated Manuscript full score 11 14 Voodeko: A 20th Century Primitive Dance for Concert Band Undated Onionskin manuscript piano reduction Series 5: Vocal and Choral Music 0.82 cubic ft. 1914-1968, Undated

Arranged alphabetically by folder title.

This series consists of the vocal and choral works written by Alexander Semmler under his own name. The arrangement of this series is alphabetical except in the case of those works to which Semmler assigned opus numbers; they are arranged under 'O' in numerical order. Please note that the items in Oversized Folder 1 are all in German. All other items are in English, except for some song lyrics in Spanish. Where there is no notation to the contrary, both words and music are presumed to be by Semmler. In all other cases, the lyricist's name is listed first.

12 1 [Alexander Semmler: Early Songs, Sketches, and Miscellanea] 1914-1919 Manuscript scores, sketches, and drafts; printed music by August Brunetti-Pisano and Armin Knab; correspondence

All material in German.

 3 33 The Challenge Undated Manuscript score; manuscript and typed lists of timings

See also Opus 38 materials (in Series 2).

 12 2 The Challenge Undated Onionskin manuscript score

See also Opus 38 materials (in Series 2).

 3 34 Christmas Day in the Morning: For Unaccompanied Mixed Chorus (J. Shotwell/Semmler) 1957 Printed score 3 35 Four Madrigals (The Seasons): Arranged for Mixed Voices (SATB) 1965 Manuscript score 12 3 Four Madrigals (The Seasons): Arranged for Mixed Voices (SATB) and for Male Voices (TTBB) 1965 Onionskin manuscript score 3 36 Four Madrigals (The Seasons): Arranged for Male Voices (TTBB) Undated Manuscript score 12 4 Full of Wonder: A Musical Christmas Play (Lund and Semmler/Semmler) 1954 Bound manuscript score 12 5 Full of Wonder: A Musical Christmas Play (Lund and Semmler/Semmler) 1954 Onionskin manuscript score 3 37 The Hills (I. Semmler/A. Semmler) Undated Manuscript score 12 6 The Hills (I. Semmler/A. Semmler) Undated Onionskin manuscript score 3 38 "I knew it all along…" Undated Manuscript score 12 7 Lullaby (H. Shotwell): Arranged for Solo and for Mixed Voices by A. Semmler Undated Onionskin manuscript score 3 39 Opus 24: Chamber Music (Divertimento) for Mixed Voices (Four Parts) and Harp (or Piano) 1954 Manuscript score

"Divertimento" written on one score in pencil.

 12 8 Opus 24: Chamber Music (Divertimento) for Mixed Voices (Four Parts) and Harp (or Piano) 1954 Onionskin manuscript score 3 40 Opus 24: Chamber Music (Divertimento) for Mixed Voices (Four Parts) and Harp (or Piano) Undated Manuscript bass part

Sections 2 and 3 only.

 3 41 Opus 30: [Seven Songs for Medium Voice]: La Desierta Plaza (Machado/Semmler); Renacimiento (Machado/Semmler) 1954 Manuscript score

Lyrics in Spanish and English.

 12 9 Opus 30: [Seven Songs for Medium Voice]: La Desierta Plaza (Machado/Semmler); Renacimiento (Machado/Semmler); Respice (J. Shotwell/Semmler); Time is a Cunning Thief (J. Shotwell/Semmler); Viewpoint Cocktail; The Chicken (Morganstern/Semmler); Nightfall (S ca. 1954-1955 Onionskin manuscript score

Lyrics in Spanish and English.

 3 42 Opus 30: [Seven Songs for Medium Voice]: Respice (J. Shotwell/Semmler); Time is a Cunning Thief (J. Shotwell/Semmler) Undated Manuscript score 3 43 Opus 30: [Seven Songs for Medium Voice]: Viewpoint Cocktail; The Chicken (Morganstern/Semmler) 1955 Manuscript score 12 10 The Owl and the Pussy-Cat: For Chorus of Mixed Voices (SATB) with Piano Accompaniment (Lear/Semmler) 1950 Onionskin manuscript score

Arranged for solo and for mixed voices.

 3 44 The Owl and the Pussy-Cat: For Chorus of Mixed Voices (SATB) with Piano Accompaniment (Lear/Semmler) 1967 Printed score 3 45 Prelude and Hymn: A Voice-Instrumental for Mixed Chorus a capella 1964 Manuscript score 12 11 Prelude and Hymn: A Voice-Instrumental for Mixed Chorus a capella 1964 Onionskin manuscript score 3 46 Sinfonia Abstracta for Male Voices 1968 Manuscript score 12 12 Sinfonia Abstracta for Male Voices 1968 Onionskin manuscript score 3 47 Sing Along! 1958 Manuscript score 12 13 "There's a city by the river…" Undated Manuscript score 3 48 Three Christmas Songs for Mixed Voices a capella (E. Semmler/A. Semmler) Undated Manuscript score 12 14 Three Christmas Songs for Mixed Voices a capella (E. Semmler/A. Semmler) Undated Onionskin manuscript score 3 49 Vee Double U (Volkswagen Theme) 1967 Manuscript score 12 15 Vee Double U (Volkswagen Theme) 1967 Onionskin manuscript score 3 50 "We are players all upon the stage of chance…" Undated Manuscript score; pencil sketches on back Series 6: Music Written as Ralph Sandor 0.2 cubic ft. 1940-1950, Undated

Arranged alphabetically by folder title.

This series includes music written by Alexander Semmler under the name Ralph Sandor (or Zandor). Much of it is more commercially oriented than his other works. This series includes both instrumental and vocal music. As with the vocal music written by Semmler under his own name, when there is a lyricist's name given, it is listed first.

12 16 Entre dos Luces (Twilight): Tango 1950 Onionskin manuscript score 3 51 Incidental Music: Piano or Organ 1941 Printed score 3 52 Incidental Music: Piano or Organ, Book II 1944 Printed score 3 53-54 Light Orchestral Music Undated Manuscript string parts 3 55 Light Orchestral Music Undated Manuscript woodwind parts 3 56 Light Orchestral Music Undated Manuscript brass parts 3 57 Light Orchestral Music Undated Manuscript percussion parts 3 58 Light Orchestral Music Undated Manuscript harp part 3 59 Light Orchestral Music Undated Manuscript piano part 3 60 Pop Music Undated Manuscript scores and sketches for instrumental and vocal works (lyrics for vocal works by Sandor and by Alice Blackburn) 3 61 Tangos by Sandor Undated Manuscript score 3 62 [Three Pieces by Ralph Sandor: "Oh You Gypsy!" (Blackburn/Sandor); Maracaibo; "Out of the Gray" (Ball/Sandor)] 1940 Manuscript score; printed score 3 63 [Violin and Piano Music] 1941 Manuscript score Series 7: Sketches and Notebooks 3.63 cubic ft. 1919-1954, Undated

Arranged in two subseries, the first consisting of manuscript sketches and the second of notebooks. The sketches are arranged alphabetically by folder title; the notebooks are arranged first alphabetically by title and then chronologically. When a folder bore more than one title, the archivist chose the spine title to represent the whole, with any other titles given after a semicolon. Titles that Semmler crossed out were not included in the folder title. Photocopies of Semmler's original folders were included in each folder. Included in this series is "Queen Mystery Cue #12", a piece by Bernard Herrmann originally written for the CBS radio drama "Ellery Queen."

This series includes manuscript sketches and notebooks.

 Subseries 1: Sketches 1919-1954, Undated 13 1 Bassoon Quintet (Sketches); [Instrumental and Vocal Sketches] 1939 1943 1944 Undated Manuscript sketches

In German and English.

 13 2 Chamber Music: Mixed Voices and Harp or Piano (Opus 24); Lullaby; [Sketches] Undated Manuscript sketches

Includes 'Along the Sawkill' and 'Mount Overlook' (see Series 4).

 13 3 Complete Pieces 1944 Undated Manuscript sketches; typewritten lyrics

Includes vocal and instrumental pieces.

 14 1 Concertino for Piano and Orchestra (Sketches); [Radio Cues] 1939 Undated Manuscript sketches

Includes "Queen Mystery- Cue # 12", by Bernard Herrmann.

 14 2 Counterpointal Sketches; Melodic Writing (Single Lines) 1940 1942 1952 Undated Manuscript sketches

Includes vocal and instrumental pieces.

 14 3 Cue Sketches: CBS Recording, Dec 47 1947 Manuscript sketches 14 4 Don Quixote Undated Manuscript sketches 15 1 [Early Instrumental and Vocal Sketches; Dance Music Sketches] 1919 1921 1927 Undated Manuscript sketches

In German and English.

 15 2 Farmer in the Dell: A Caprice for Piano and String Orchestra (Sandor) Undated Manuscript sketches 15 3 For the Sound-track 1946 Manuscript sketches 15 4 Foundation Play (Wood/Semmler) Undated Manuscript sketches 15 5 Light Industrials (Harry Glass Recording 59); [Indian Rhapsody] Undated Manuscript sketches 16 1 Manhattan Diary, Orchestra Sketches Undated Manuscript sketches 16 2 Mary Brown Undated Manuscript sketches; manuscript and typed lyrics, scenario, and script pages 16 3 Miscellaneous Commercial Pieces (Material) Undated Manuscript sketches 16 4 Mood Sketches 1946 Undated Manuscript sketches 16 5 [My Country [,] 'Tis America (Ralph Sandor); Twelve Tone Rows and Untitled Sketches] 1940 Undated Manuscript sketches 16 6 Odes to Darkness; Current Sketches Undated Manuscript sketches 16 7 Patriotic Songs Undated Manuscript sketches 16 8 Progressive Jazz Undated Manuscript sketches 17 1 Recordings Musicana U. S. A. Undated Manuscript sketches

Includes Music to a Tragedy (after Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher").

 17 2 Rias Symphony Undated Manuscript sketches 17 3 Serious Sketches; Nocturne (Manhattan); Old Dances in New Style; [Sketches] 1929 1931 1941 1944 Manuscript sketches 18 1 Sight-Singing Undated Manuscript sketches 18 2 Sketches in Progress; H. C. Quartet Undated Manuscript sketches 18 3 String Quartet Sketches; Symphony 1st Movement; [Artistic and Commercial Sketches] 1939 1946 1954 Manuscript sketches 18 4 Suite for Orchestra etc. 1933 1938 1946 Manuscript sketches 19 1 Symphony No. 2 (Sinfonietta No. 2); Horizons Undated Manuscript sketches 19 2 Theme and Variations: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra 1946 Manuscript sketches 19 3 Theme and Variations for Orchestra; [Vocal Music] 1938 1941 Undated Manuscript sketches 19 4 ["To Charly;" On the High Seas; Pixies] Undated Manuscript sketches 19 5 Various Sketches: Fugues, Inventions, etc. 1943 1944 Undated Manuscript sketches

Includes setting by Semmler of Baudelaire's "Le guignon."

 19 6 Violin Concerto 1948 Manuscript sketches 19 7 [Vocal Sketches and Notes] Undated Manuscript sketches

In German, English, and nonsense syllables.

 Subseries 2: Notebooks 1937-1950, Undated 4 1 Loose sketches, notes, and miscellanea Undated 4 2 Classical Themes; Yankee Doodle [et al.] Undated 4 3 Duet Cl. And Fl. [et al.]; Piano Prelude [et al.] 1941 Undated 4 4 Madrigals; Original Themes Undated 4 5 Prelude and Hymn; Valse; Primitive Dance from Dance Suite Undated 4 6 Rhythmic Studies; Valentino Sketches: Cl., Bssn., Fl. Solos Undated 4 7 Sinfonietta, beg.; War Commercials etc. Undated 4 8 Untitled notebooks 1937-1938 4 9 Untitled notebooks 1938 4 10 Untitled notebooks 1938-1939 4 11 Untitled notebooks 1939 4 12 Untitled notebooks 1941 1946 4 13 Untitled notebooks 1946 1950 5 1-13 Untitled, undated notebooks Undated