Johanna Magdalena Beyer scores, JPB 82-77, Music Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
The Johanna Magdalena Beyer scores represent the work of a neglected woman composer.
Johanna Magdalena Beyer was born on July 11, 1888 in Leipzig. She studied piano and music theory in Germany. In 1924 she arrived in New York and went to study at the David Mannes School. After receiving a teacher's certificate in 1928, she took private lessons with Dane Rudhyar, Ruth Crawford, Charles Seeger, and Henry Cowell. During this time she wrote music and several plays for various projects. She was familiar with Henry Cowell and other composers of his circle. During Cowell's incarceration in San Quentin (1937-40), Beyer served as his secretary and took care of his scores. Towards the end of her life she began to receive a small amount of recognition by her peers, but she died in poverty in New York, on January 9, 1944.
The Johanna Magdalena Beyer scores represent the music in her possesion at the time of her death. They include works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, piano, voice, and other instruments.
The Johanna Magdalena Beyer scores are arranged in a single series alphabetically by title.
Processed by Martha Grutchfield.
For permission to copy or to publish please contact the Music Division.
Available on microfilm: *ZB-3216
(Master negative: *ZZ-34113)