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- Description:
- This slightly yellowed paper envelope contained a 10-page letter that was written by Francis L. York who was the organist for Christ Church. The front of the envelope has a handwritten title, "History and Prophecy of Music in Detroit" and is signed "Francis L. York." His return address is printed in black text in the upper left corner. The back flap of the envelope is sealed with two irregularly-shaped drops of dark green wax.
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- Four page unbound booklet of sheet music for the piano, composed by T. F. Rinehart, and published by Auburn Publishing Company of Auburn, Indiana. "Musical Supplement to the 'Charlotte Prohibitionist.' Charlotte, Mich., Friday, November 20th, 1885." The piece is in 6/8 time.
- Date Issued:
- 1885-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- General History
- Description:
- 45 RPM Record. Contains "Song of the Teamsters Union" on side one, and the "Pledge of Allegiance" on side two. The record was released by Amron Records with copyright by Abe Olman Music, Inc., New York 19, N. Y. The record label is printed in blue text on a yellow background. The record is stored in a 7" x 7" white paper sleeve that is printed in blue, green, yellow, and black. The cover depicts a truck driver glancing to another trucker in his side view mirror, and contains monochromatic photo inserts of James R. Hoffa and John F. English. The words of the Song of the Teamsters Union are printed on the back.
- Date Issued:
- 1961-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Industrial History
- Description:
- This writing paper was from the personal stationery of Francis L. York who was the organist at Christ Church in Detroit. The paper has a watermark that shows a monogram emblem (unreadable) and the word, "Ledger." It is slightly yellowed and the sender's address, "235 Hancock Avenue West," is printed in black text at the top. The 10-page letter was handwritten in black ink and the text has been transcribed as follows: "Detroit Dec 30 1900 Hon. Wm. C. Maybury. Mayor of Detroit. Dear Sir. Your communication asking for an article on the present conditions of musical matters in Detroit, at hand. I regret that I have only twenty-four hours in which to prepare the article, but will do my best. - The history of music in D. during the earlier part of the century was similar to that of most towns. There were two players and fewer instruments. The "singing school" teacher was in evidence and taught the girls and boys to read the "buckwheat" notes. Isolated attempts at choral work were made and in the Catholic churches some attention was paid to the musical service. Later on as more interest was taken in all kinds of art concerts given by singers and players began to be heard. Beethoven was then writing his greatest works Schumann Chopin Mendelssohn and Liszt either were too young to write or their works were unknown. It is only within fifty years that music can be said to have a history in D. or it is only within that time that music and professional musicians have had any recognized standing. The churches have perhaps had more to do with fostering a love for music than any other influence. With the advent of the pipe organ the better class of music began to be hear Mozart's and Hayden's music and later those of more modern writers were given in the churches. The old Detroit Musical Society under various names did excellent pioneer work giving concerts and producing ovations etc. Mr. Abel Mr. Zelmisky and others directors. Mr. Meakin of the Fort St. Presbyterian church and Mr. Abel of Christ Church were the most prominent organist[s] of, say, thirty-five years ago. The past twenty-five years during which I have been more or less acquainted with musical matters in D., have witnessed a wonderful transformation and growth in all departments of music and in the appreciation and taste for music all over the country, but our advancement in D. has far outstripped that of most places. Music has grown more rapidly than any other department of human interest in the world of art and letters. Twenty five years ago a Sonata by Beethoven would hardly be listened to by a Detroit audience - a Fantasia on some operatic air, full of "runs" and musical fire-works was what appealed to the average taste. And as for Bach! he was caviar to mostly all - unhappily so to too many yet. Twenty-five years ago we had but one organist of any standing. Today we have at least three who are not only known throughout the country but to some extent in Europe. We have a pianist, Mr. Jonas, who, though not in the first rank is at least the equal on many in the second rank. We have Mr. Wm. Yunck one of the finest violinists in the country and an excellent all-armed musician. The coming to D. of Messrs J.C. Batchelder and J.H. Hahn fresh from study with the best teachers of Europe (Richter, Haupt, Plaidy, Loeschhorn etc) is really the starting point of the remarkable progress that has been made during the past twenty-five years. It was due very largely to these two men that music has attained its present position. Both these gentlemen, men of large ideas well equipped and aiming at the highest ideals, have worked and are still working most successfully for the good of music. Where there are so many musicians where work is excellent it is difficult to choose names for mention. Tastes differ and others doubtless would select a different lists. But in addition to those already mentioned I must give a few names of those whose work has had a determining influence on music. Mr. Hofmann the cellist, Mr. Luyler pianist, Mr. N.J. Corey, and I hope the present writer, organists, Mr. Norton Soprano and voice teacher, Mr. Freytag organist Mr. Brueckner violinist, Mr. Marshall Pearl and Mr. J.D. Mechan (now of Pittsburg Pa) are some of those whose work has not only reputation and success to themselves, but has had an immense educational value in diffusing knowledge of music and an appreciation for the best in music. There is no city in the union of the size of Detroit that possesses so many well-known and unusually capable musicians as D. Detroit is well supplied with music schools - perhaps too well for it is a question whether the multiplication of small schools is an advantage. The Detroit Conservatory is one of the strongest and best known in the country and under the direction of Mr. J.H. Hahn has wielded a powerful influence for good. Recently it gave its one thousandth recital. The Michigan Conservatory established this year under Mr. Jonas is a worthy rival of the older institutions and has a strong corps of teachers. Many others such as the Detroit Institute (Miss Jacobs) and the Detroit School of Music (Mr. F. Apel) might be mentioned with approval. In the matter of Church Choir, Detroit stands above any city of its size with which I am acquainted. The work of the bested choirs in at least two instances is admirable, comparing favorably with some of the best in England. As yet there are no choir schools and no church requires the daily attendance of the choir. It is hoped something may be done in this direction. The denominational churches are served for the most part by quartettes though chorus work is also heard. The best singers of the city usually have choir positions and such singers as Harold Jarvis and Mr. Frazer Tiners such basses as Sam. Slade, J. Krolik, C.A. Cottors and Dr. Spalding and a long list of excellent sopranos and altos are to be heard each Sunday in the churches. In the matter of church organs there has been great advancement. Where as a few years ago the best organ was a moderate sized two manual, we now have a number of very complete three manual instruments. The best of those are the Roosevelt organ in the Jefferson Ave Presbyterian church and the Johnson organ in the Cass Ave Methodist. There are also several by Farrand and Votey formerly of this city. So in church organs D. is well supplied, but a larger concert organ is greatly needed. An organ if say, four manual with one hundred steps in a large hall, played weekly by a competent organist after the manner of the organ concert, in St Georges Hall Liverpool, would have a most helpful influence in giving the masses an opportunity to hear good music either gratis or at very small expense. D. possesses two large admirably equipped music houses, that of Schwankovsky identified with the Knabe piano, and Grinnell Bros the Steinway agents. The Steinway is the favorite piano but on account of its high price is frequently displaced by other makers. Recently piano playing attachments have been introduced. To what extent they will take the place of individual players and just what position they will occupy in the musical world we leave to the new century to decide. To us it seems that they are likely to occupy a position of their own analogous to that of music boxes and orchestrions etc. The favorite piano composer at present in Chopin whose music has largely come into prominence within the last twenty years. Wagner is the favorite in grand opera though Gounod's Faust is more frequently heard. Comic opera is represented by De Koven's Robin Hood and such operas as the "Geisha" and the Gilbert and Sullivan opera. Among American composers for piano and orchestra Ed. MacDowell is regarded as the best. The better class of music is constantly displaced the cheap popular stuff that was formerly the rule. The "Gospel Hymns" have had their day in the churches though they are still heard. The present rage for "Coon Songs" is doubtless ephemeral. The great need of Detroit numerically is a large music hall, a concert organ, a permanent endowed orchestra and a more efficient chorus. In these very important matters we are deficient. The present writer hopes that whoever may open this in 2001 may see Detroit at the head of all American cities musically. He dreams of a noble hall dedicated to music which is being given a concert, - in which are heard an immense organ much more perfect than those we now have, no doubt with many true colors now unknown, an orchestra of scores of pieces containing instruments of form and effectiveness far beyond our knowledge, a grand chorus of hundreds of voices - all joining in giving the works of composers now unborn. He greets you wish you a Happy New Year, and if at any time it is given to the spirits of the departed to return to earth to be sure it would be such an occasion as just described that would call him back. Nos morituri te salutamus. Francis L. York Organist Christ Church 1896 Teacher of piano and organ and composition Detroit Conservatory of Music and Ypsilanti State Normal College"
- Date Issued:
- 1900-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Detroit Anniversaries
- Description:
- Black and white photographic postcard depicting members of the Detroit Citadel Band, in uniform and holding their instruments. In the center is a bass drum and two crossed flags.
- Date Issued:
- 1922-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Postcard
- Description:
- Photograph. Sepia-toned panoramic photographic print of a 70 piece orchestra with conductor, posing on a stage with their instruments. The musicians are on a four-tiered horseshoe-shaped platform. The conductor and pianist wear suits, the harpist wears a gown, and the rest of the musicians wear uniforms consisting of pants with a light stripe along each leg; jackets with embroidered sleeves, and shoulders, and no lapels; and band-collared shirts. The stage backdrop is decorated to resemble a neo-classical room. "Copyright Spencer & Wyckoft, Detroit, Mich. 1919" printed in lower left corner.
- Date Issued:
- 1919-01-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Detroit Historical Society
- Collection:
- Theatre/Theater
- Description:
- Lansing Community College student Holly Barker talks about her interest in music and her desire to transfer to a major university. She describes the rigors of her major, the long hours of practice hours and her desire to perform and compose professionally. She also reflects on her parents and sister, her LCC teachers, and her classmates.
- Date Issued:
- 1988-07-25T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
8. Detroit
- Description:
- A Michigan State University faculty panel participates in a discussion entitled, "Detroit: The Past, Present and Future of the City." Panelists explore Detroit's music scene, youth culture and education, the auto industry and jobs. Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore, Dean of the MSU Honors College convenes the session. Professor John P. Beck from the School of Human Resources and Labor Relations moderates questions from the audience. Part of the series "Sharper Focus/Wider Lens" sponsored by: MSU Honors College; College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; College of Music; College of Social Science; James Madison College; Lyman Briggs College; Residential College in the Arts and Humanities; Department of Geography; School of Planning, Design and Construction; and the Jazz Studies Program.
- Date Issued:
- 2013-10-21T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Dr. John A. Rice delivers a lecture titled, "Music and the Grand Tour in the 18th Century" at the Michigan State University Main Library. Using musical excerpts, Rice describes a relatively peaceful Europe after 1715 and the upper middle class phenomenon of touring for art, music and culture. He explains that touring musicians, exposed to a wide variety of compositions, theater, opera, and carnivals, brought a tremendous diversity of music back to their respective countries thus dramatically diversifying the landscape of music and culture throughout Europe. Dr. Rice speaks as part of the 2013 Hollander Distinguished Lecture series in Musicology. He is introduced by MSU Professor Marcie Ray. The event is convened by MSU Professor Michael Largey.
- Date Issued:
- 2013-03-15T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection
- Description:
- Michigan folk music icon Bob Blackman talks about the folk music genre, how it has been defined and marketed, its roots, history, many forms, and commercial success. Blackman focuses on Anglo-American music with its Celtic roots and explains the origins of the music. He also describes how the music has evolved over centuries and uses lyrics and numerous musical excerpts to demonstrate his points. Blackman answers questions from the audience. Blackman is introduced by Michigan State University Librarian Jane Arnold. Part of the Michigan State University Libraries' Colloquia Series. Held in the MSU Main Library.
- Date Issued:
- 2004-04-01T00:00:00Z
- Data Provider:
- Michigan State University. Libraries
- Collection:
- G. Robert Vincent Voice Library Collection