George Copeland papers

ca. 1910-1967

An American pianist, George Copeland introduced the works of Debussy to the United States and also specialized in the works of Spanish composers. His many friends and associates included John Singer Sargent, Mary Garden, Isadora Duncan, Mrs. Fiske, Sarah Bernhardt, Melba, Calvé, Lina Cavaliere, Maggie Teyte, Mrs. Jack Gardner, Debussy, De Falla, Laurette Taylor, and Marie Dressler. Shortly after World War I, Copeland stayed in Kronberg with the family of Margarethe of Hesse, Princess of Prussia, sister of Kaiser Wilhelm. Biographical and autobiographical writings, letters, photoprints and drawings, 3 musical scores, and other items relating to the career of George Copeland. The collection includes drafts of a biographical essay about Copeland by Frederic Bradlee; drafts of Copeland's autobiography; Copeland's essay "Debussy, the Man I Knew" from The Atlantic Monthly, Jan. 1955; 14 letters from Margarethe of Hesse, Princess of Prussia (signed "Margaret") and 7 letters from other members of her family, 1922-30, 1952-54; 2 letters from Mary Garden; 1 letter from Manuel de Falla; 41 photographs and 3 other portraits of Copeland, 26 photographs of Copeland with others of whom 15 are unidentified; 6 photographs of Copeland's mother; 17 photographs of Copeland's friends and colleagues of whom 9 are unidentified; a reproduction of a pencil drawing of Debussy by B. Solofareff; and a manuscript score of the song A Doctor's Advice by Copeland.