Emil Breitenfeld Papers, 1952-1959

Mia Watts
Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections
University of the Pacific Library
3601 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, CA 95211
Phone: (209) 946-2404
Fax: (209) 946-2942
URL: http://www.pacific.edu/Library/Find/Holt-Atherton-Special-Collections.html
© 2013
University of the Pacific. All rights reserved.

Emil Breitenfeld Papers, 1952-1959

Collection number: MSS 332

Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections

University of the Pacific Library

Stockton, California
Processed by:
Mia Watts
Date Completed:
2017
Encoded by:
Mia Watts
© 2013 University of the Pacific. All rights reserved.

Descriptive Summary

Title: Emil Breitenfeld Papers
Dates: 1952-1959
Collection number: MSS 332
Creator: Breitenfeld, Emil 1888-1964
Collection Size: 1 linear foot
Repository: University of the Pacific. Library. Holt-Atherton Dept. of Special Collections
Stockton, California 95211
Abstract: Papers consist of arrangements of popular songs for the O'Neill Sisters School of Dance (Helen & Peggy O'Neill) from the 1950's in San Francisco. Performances were most likely held at the Golden Gate Theater, State Fairs, San Francisco nightclubs, and Fireman/Policeman Balls.
Physical location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.
Languages: Languages represented in the collection: English

Access

Collection open for research.

Publication Rights

Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.

Preferred Citation

Emil Breitenfeld Papers. MSS 332. Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library.

Biography / Administrative History

Emil (pronounced Ay'-muhl) Aaron Breitenfeld (1888-1964) was a pianist, arranger, composer, and theater organist who accompanied silent films in movie theaters. He is the father of Paul Desmond, the jazz alto saxophonist of the Dave Brubeck Quartet. He was described as a “sarcastic, very smart, extraordinarily talented musical guy.” He enlisted in the army during World War I and exited the army in May 1919. By spring of 1920, he settled in San Francisco with his wife, Shirley King, playing for silent films and writing arrangements for stage shows.

Scope and Content of Collection

Papers consist of arrangements of popular songs for the O'Neill Sisters School of Dance (Helen & Peggy O'Neill) from the 1950's in San Francisco. Performances were most likely held at the Golden Gate Theater, State Fairs, San Francisco nightclubs, and Fireman/Policeman Balls.

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Desmond, Paul, 1924-1977
O'Neill, Helen
O'Neill, Peggy
O'Neill Sisters School of Dance - San Francisco
Dave Brubeck Quartet
Dance schools San Francisco

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