Loading...
Creator
Persichetti, Vincent, 1915-1987
Call number
JPB 90-77
Physical description
111 linear feet (206 boxes)
Language
English
Preferred Citation

Vincent Persichetti Papers, JPB 90-77. Music Division, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Repository
Music Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.

Vincent Persichetti, American composer, educator and author, studied the piano with Olga Samaroff and composition with Paul Nordoff at the Philadelphia Conservatory, and conducting with Fritz Reiner at the Curtis Institute. In 1941 he was appointed to teach at the Philadelphia Conservatory, and in 1947 he joined the faculty of the Juilliard School. From 1952 he also served as Editorial Director for Elkan-Vogel. In 1961, Persichetti’s Twentieth Century Harmony: Creative Aspects and Practice was published by W.W. Norton and was immediately viewed as the definitive book on modern compositional techniques. Over the course of his career, he received commissions from the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Louisville Philharmonic Society, the Naumberg Foundation, the Samaroff Foundation, the Serge Koussevitzky Music Foundation, the American Guild of Organists, universities and individual performers.

Biographical/historical information

Vincent Persichetti was born in Philadelphia on June 6, 1915 to Martha Catherine Buch and Vincent Roger Persichetti. From the age of two, when he began asking for piano lessons, he showed a strong determination to progress from novice to expert in the musical world. Whether it was as a composer, pianist or double bass musician, he sought out individuals and organizations during his early years (1915-1932) that would advance his musical knowledge and performance skills. In 1921, at the age of six, he was admitted to Combs Conservatory of Music and made his first appearance in a piano recital. In 1922, he added to his lessons by enrolling in theory classes at the Conservatory with Russell King Miller. These additonal studies prepared him for his first radio performance as a pianist in 1925, in his role as a pianist for the Candle Light Trio in 1928, for the Matinee Musical Club Orchestra from 1926-1929, to win the National Federation of Music Clubs’ first prize for original composition in 1930, and to play principal double bass in the All Philadelphia High School Orchestra in 1931.

It was during his adult years, however, that Persichetti established lasting professional working relationships. In 1932, he was appointed organist of the Arch Street Presbyterian Church (1932-1948), and in 1933, the same year that he graduated from South Philadelphia High School, he was appointed conductor of the Combs Conservatory Orchestra (1933-1936). Furthermore, one year after earning his Bachelor of Music Degree in Composition from the Combs Conservatory, Persichetti was appointed Head of the Theory and Composition Department at his alma mater (a position he held from 1937-1941). Persichetti then moved on to the position as the Head of Philadelphia Conservatory’s department of Theory and Composition from 1941-1962. Soon after starting this position, Persichetti joined the faculty of Juilliard in 1947 (Head of Composition department from 1963-1973 and in 1970 appointed Director of the school’s Literature and Materials department and remained a member of the faculty until his death). In addition to these responsibilities, Persichetti entered the world of music publishing in his role as Director of Publication for Elkan Vogel Inc (Theodore Presser) in 1952.

As Persichetti composed prodigiously for nearly every musical medium, his numerous work related responsibilities did not interrupt his studies, his composing, nor his personal endeavors. In 1938, he studied the standard orchestral literature with Fritz Reiner at Curtis Institute and, subsequently, earned his diploma in conducting (also under the tutelage of Fritz Reiner) from this organization in 1939. In 1941, he married Dorothea Flanagan, a fellow music student. From this marriage, two children were born: a daughter in 1944 named Lauren and a son in 1946 named Garth. During the years of 1941-1945, he studied piano with Samaroff and composition with Nordoff at the Philadelphia Conservatory (MMus 1941, DMus 1945); for a three-week period in 1943, Persichetti studied with Roy Harris in Colorado. In 1954, he coauthored the book William Schuman with Flora Rheta Schreiber and in 1961 independently authored Twentieth Century Harmony.

His work ethic and musical excellence garnered him awards and citations from organizations. The following is an abbreviated list: the Juilliard Publication Award in 1943 for his Dance Overture, the 1945 Blue Network Chamber Award for his Second String Quartet, a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1958, the 1959 Star of Solidarity Medal from the Italian Government for contribution to American culture, the 1964 Edwin Franko Goldman Memorial Citation, the 1966 Symphony League award, 1966 Honorary doctorate from Baldwin Wallace College, 1967 Citation of Honor from the National Catholic Music Educators Association, a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1968, a 1970 Honorary doctorate from Bucknell University and Combs College, 1973 Orpheus Award from Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, 1973 Cultural Hall of Fame (South Philadelphia High School), a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1973, Honorary Doctorates from Peabody Conservatory and Milliken University in 1974, 1975 Brandeis University Creative Arts Award, Citation from the City of Philadelphia, 1978 First Kennedy Center Friedheim Award for Excellence in Symphonic Composition (for English Horn Concerto), represented US through ASCAP at the International Composers Meetings in the Soviet Union of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers in 1979, an Honorary member of the American Bandmasters Association in 1979, the 1981 Philadelphia Art Alliance Award for Distinguished Achievement, the 1981 Hazlett Memorial Award, the 1981 American Institute for Italian Culture Presidential Award of Merit, the 1987 College Band Directors National Association Distinguished Service Award, grants from the National Institute of Arts and Letters and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Vincent Persichetti, considered by many to be one of the leading American composers of the Twentieth Century, died on August 14, 1987. Some of Mr. Persichetti’s accomplished students included prominent composers Jacob Druckman, Philip Glass, Steve Reich and Peter Schickele.

Sources:

  • "Persichetti, Vincent." Retrieved from http://www.grovemusic.com on March1, 2005.
  • Personal Papers—Box 2, folders 4-14
  • “Vincent Persichetti.” Retrieved from http://www.presser.com/Composers/info.cfm?Name=VINCENTPERSICHETTI on March 1, 2005.
  • New York Times Obituary.“Vincent Persichetti Dies at 72; Composer of Wide Repertory,” Proquest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1857-Current file): Aug. 15, 1987, p.33.
  • “Composers of Great Band Works” by Dr. Brian Harris. Retrieved from http://www.bandroom.com/BCP/resources/ComposerSeries/Vpers.pdf on March 1, 2005.

Scope and arrangement

The papers of Vincent Persichetti (1901-1996 and undated) primarily document his life from the mid 1930's until 1987 and consist of material on his careers as a composer, pianist, music teacher, author and lecturer. Correspondence, music compositions, writings, programs, photographs, and financial records constitute the vast majority of the collection. The few items found within this collection that precede and postdate his life are connected to his private life. For example, information concerning the wills, deeds, births and deaths of relatives (for both the Persichetti and Flanagan families) are within this collection.

The researcher can get information on Persichetti’s personal as well as professional life within this collection. Case in point, both the professional circumstances and private feelings engendered by A Lincoln Address, a piece commissioned and rejected by President Nixon’s Second Inaugural Committee, are revealed in the correspondence (Eugene Ormandy, the White House and Elkan Vogel), the versions of the score, and the clippings within the collection.

From the items attributed to Dorothea Persichetti, Rudy Shackelford and the numerous student theses included in this collection, varying perspectives of Vincent Persichetti’s life and work will be ascertained. Of special interest is Dorothea Persichetti’s unpublished book on Vincent’s compositions entitled “A Monograph” within this collection (Box 103, folders 15-18; Box 104, folders 1-2).

While his connection to Elkan Vogel Inc is represented in the collection with correspondence, some financial records and programs, detailed publishing information on works he published is not to be found in the collection.

The Vincent Persichetti papers are arranged in twelve series:

  • Series I: Personal Papers, and
    1904 - 1989
    2.5 linear feet 5 boxes

    This series contains the address books, biographical information (brochures, chronologies, passports, geneology, wills, etc), datebooks and ephemera (small pins and medals) found within the collection. Information on Dorothea’s relatives, the Flanagans and the Kisers, can be found in this series.

  • Series II: Correspondence, and
    1937-1987 and undated
    13 linear feet 26 boxes

    This series is composed of 4 subseries. The first three subseries subsequently contain the correspondence Persichetti had with various individuals, organizations and universities / schools. The fourth subseries contains the correspondence received and / or sent to Dorothea Persichetti (Vincent Persichetti is referenced in many of the letters).

  • Series III: Music Compositions, and
    1915-1987 and undated
    33.5 linear feet 67 boxes

    This series is composed of four subseries. The first three subseries contain the compositions, sketches and reproductions of scores produced by Vincent Persichetti. The first subseries contains his works by opus number; the second subseries organizes his works without opus numbers by title stated on work; and the third subseries contains the compositions without titles or opus number that were arranged by subject matter. The fourth subseries contains compositions found within this collection written by other artists.

  • Series IV: Writings, and
    1931-1987 and undated
    4 linear feet 8 boxes

    This series is composed of 2 subseries: works by Vincent Persichetti and Other Artists. The first subseries includes the literary creations of Persichetti. The second subseries includes those written by other authors (usually concerning Persichetti’s music compositions).

  • Series V: Teaching Materials, ca. and
    1935 - 1987
    1.5 linear feet 3 boxes

    This series primarily contains notes and other materials connected with the courses that Vincent Persichetti created and used while teaching at Combs Conservatory, Juilliard, Philadelphia Conservatory and lecturing across country at various institutions. The notebooks, outlines and exams he used for his Literature and Materials of Music course at Juilliard are in this subseries. A small portion of this subseries is devoted to Dorothea Persichetti’s teaching material.

  • Series VI: Programs and Related items, - and
    undated
    6 linear feet 12 boxes

    This series contains the programs and related material connected to the work of Vincent Persichetti. As such, those detailing with his work as composer, judge, lecturer, performer or the honors he received during his lifetime are in this section.

  • Series VII: Photographs and Sketches, and
    1926-1989
    4.5 linear feet 9 boxes

    This series is composed of 3 subseries: photographs—prints, photographs—negatives and sketches.

  • Series VIII: Financial Records, and
    1936 - 1990
    24 linear feet 48 boxes

    This series is a very thorough look at Vincent Persichetti and Dorothea Persichetti’s business dealings and financial records from 1936-1987. It includes tax records (which include correspondence with accountants), bank statements, cancelled checks, contracts, travel expenses, and paychecks from various organizations. The small amount of information found in the years after Vincent and Dorothea’s deaths (1987-1990) deal with estate matter.

  • Series IX: Subject Files, and
    1948 - 1986
    2 linear feet 4 boxes

    This series primarily contains materials relating to prominent music related organizations. Some of the subject files found in this series are for: the International Council of Authors and Composers of Music (CIAM), the National Association for Music Education (MENC), the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and the National Institute of Arts and Letters. In addition, Persichetti’s collection of composer brochures and resumés is included in this series (Box 170, Folders 6-17).

  • Series X: Clippings, and
    1929 - 1988
    2.5 linear feet 5 boxes

    This series contains the magazine and newspaper clippings found in the collection. The biggest groupings of clippings are for Artists (primarily Vincent and Dorothea Persichetti) and Compositions (arranged first by opus number, then by subject and, finally, by title).

  • Series XI: Scrapbooks, and
    1909 - 1973
    3.5 linear feet 5 boxes

    This series consists of ten scrapbooks filled with photographs (professional and personal), clippings, programs and other career related materials.

  • Series XII: Oversized, and
    1925 - 1990
    14 linear feet 23 boxes

    This series contains the oversized awards (certificates, diplomas and three dimensional objects), music compositions (mostly written by Persichetti), photographs and other artwork (painting, posters, and prints), and writings found within the collection.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

The Persichetti Collection was purchased by the New York Public Library in 1988. The sellers were the heirs of Mr. Persichetti, Garth and Lauren Persichetti.

Processing information

Processed by Thea Constantine; Machine-readable finding aid created by Thea Constantine.

Separated material

Alphabetical by Artist. Formats—audio tape and microfilm.

  • Richard Collins— Carousel Dreams / Mystic Gardens (audiotape), undated

    ( Pacifica 4 written on top of the audio tape)

  • Stephen Danker— Suite for Kurzweil 250 / Dance Suite (microfilm), 1986
  • Vincent Persichetti (microfilm)

    (Note found with items in box)

    • Op. 92— Stabat Mater
    • Op. 111— The Creation
  • Rudy Shackelford— Organ Audition Recording No. 3 (audiotape), 1970 Dec.

    (Found with December 2, 1970 letter in Rudy Shackelford correspondence in box 15, folder 12 ; music listed on back cover: Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in b, Persichetti’s Shimah B’Koli Op. 89, Shackelford’s Prelude and Fuge in e, Josef Rheinberger’s Sonata VII in f op. 127 and Shackelford’s Sonata for Organ)

  • Betsy Small— Songs by Vincent Persichetti arranged for guitar and voice by Betsy Small, undated

    ( I’m Nobody, Thou Child So Wise, The Grass and When the Hills Do; musicians on tape: John Marlow, Susanna Gilbert and Betsy Small)

Using the collection

Location

Music Division
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498
Third Floor

Conditions Governing Use

For permission to publish, contact the Chief, Music Division.