Scope and arrangement
The Flagstad-Cornell project files date from 1936 to 1985 (bulk dates 1960s-1970s) and document Nancy Hamilton's project to preserve a collaboration between opera singer Kirsten Flagstad and actress Katharine Cornell. The project is based on the Flagstad-Cornell recordings and the Flagstad translations. Files are comprised of correspondence, notes, typescripts, drafts, recordings, legal and financial records, photographs, programs, publications, and clippings.
The Flagstad-Cornell recording files include a few extant recordings, lists and notes with timestamps, and correspondence. The correspondence discusses such matters as redistribution; Flagstad's daughter, Else Dusenberry's letter of approval for the project; and The Eliza Foundation, Inc. attempt to develop a book about the recordings after Hamilton died.
The Flagstad translation files contain several versions of traditional songs translated by Flagstad and typewritten by Hamilton. The Songs without Music publication of the translations is reflected through a draft of the text and jacket notes.
The Flagstad correspondence includes letters exchanged between Flagstad and Hamilton conveying their camaraderie throughout the last ten years of Flagstad's life. Hamilton typed Flagstad's letters, wrote notes about their relationship, and utilized these details to describe the project in future correspondence and presentations. The Flagstad correspondence also holds correspondence between Hamilton and Flagstad's family and friends.
The Morgan Library & Museum presentation files relate to Hamilton's 1977 presentation on the Flagstad-Cornell project at the library, and are comprised of correspondence, extensive preparatory notes on her address, and the show outline.
Other project-related materials consist of Hamilton's correspondence with Flagstad's friend, Edwin McArthur, who offered encouragement; correspondence with the Kirsten Flagstad Museum about its establishment and the Flagstad memorabilia Hamilton donated; and legal and financial records, such as a copy of Hamilton's will where she bequeaths all the Flagstad-Cornell recordings to The Morgan Library & Museum.
The Kirsten Flagstad materials provide more details on Flagstad's personal life and career through photographs, programs, clippings, obituaries, and memorial tributes.
Arrangement
The collection is organized alphabetically by subject or file type.