Scope and arrangement
The Ralph Gilbert papers hold scores, lecture and course notes, and writings. There is also a note from Iris Mabry, along with some photographs and clippings documenting her career.
The scores are original compositions and arrangements of existing music for dance. A few are titled, but others are fragmentary or unlabeled. Occasionally the choreographer is listed. Gilbert's lecture and course notes are typed drafts of presentations for courses taught at the University of Washington and Saratoga Springs. Gilbert's writings are all fragmentary drafts of his unpublished dance theory and philosophy works. One piece in particular, "Two Dead Dancers, and Me," reflects on the career trajectories of Martha Graham and Mabry and describes the ordered destruction of all of Mabry's files, programs, costumes, and correspondence before her death.
Gilbert's files on Mabry include a small selection of photocopied photographs and clippings, as well as a handwritten note from Mabry describing her own idiosyncrasies.
There is an audio cassette of Gilbert performing his own compositions in 1988. Inquiries regarding audio material in the collection may be directed to the Jerome Robbins Dance Division. Audio material may be subject to preservation evaluation and migration prior to access.
Arrangement
Alphabetical by file type.