Otto Klemperer Collection of Musical Scores, 1774-1959

Printable guide [HTML]
Request items

Summary

Abstract:
Otto Klemperer was a German conductor and composer born in Breslau, Germany on May 14th, 1885. After studying at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt and the Stern Conservatory in Berlin until 1918, he became one of the leading German conductors of his generation. Klemperer had already been a conductor at the German Opera in Prague in 1907 through the recommendation of his friend, Gustav Mahler. He went on to hold a number of prominent positions in Hamburg, the Strasbourg Opera, the Cologne Opera, and the Wiesbaden Opera House. He championed in not only conducting classic pieces from Mozart and Bach, but also new works by composers of his own time.
Extent:
12.34 Linear Feet
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Folder title, Series, Box number, Collection title, followed by Special Collections and Archives, John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, California State University, Los Angeles

Background

Scope and content:

The materials in this collection range from 1774 to 1954. The bulk of the collection includes musical score books, as well as, loose scores, microfilms and LP vinyl records. The musical score books contain conductor renditions of scores originally written by famous musicians such as Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, and Stravinsky, and more contemporary 19th – 20th century composers. Smaller series include LP vinyl recordings of music from when Klemperer conducted for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and EMI in London, and microfilm and photocopies of scores whose originals have since been returned to family.

Series I: Musical Scores Inclusive Dates: 1774-1955 Arrangement: Alphabetical

This large series consists of the majority of the collection. Much of the collection is conductor versions of musical pieces as well as scores for individual instruments. Many of the pieces are autographed by Klemperer or by the composers who wrote or arranged the piece and gifting it Klemperer.

Series II: Oversized Musical Scores Inclusive Dates: 1774-1944 Arrangement: Alphabetical

This smaller series consists of oversized musical scores that is contained in Series I. This series also includes oversized publications and sheet music.

Series III: Other Materials Inclusive Dates: 1958-1959 Arrangement: Alphabetical

This small series consists of two microfilms: Hindemith's Aber die Wissenschaft, Leo Weiner's Ung. Volkstanze, and Klemperer's own Geistliches Kampflied master negative. Also included is a two LP record set of Klemperer's rendition of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, and two singles of Beethoven's Violin Concerto and Symphony numbers 1 and 8.

Biographical / historical:

Otto Klemperer was a German conductor and composer born in Breslau, Germany on May 14th, 1885. After studying at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt and the Stern Conservatory in Berlin until 1918, he became one of the leading German conductors of his generation. Klemperer had already been a conductor at the German Opera in Prague in 1907 through the recommendation of his friend, Gustav Mahler. He went on to hold a number of prominent positions in Hamburg, the Strasbourg Opera, the Cologne Opera, and the Wiesbaden Opera House. He championed in not only conducting classic pieces from Mozart and Bach, but also new works by composers of his own time.

Being of Jewish descent, he was forced into exile when the Nazi regime came into power in 1933, becoming a conductor for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra from 1933 to 1939. He received his American citizenship in 1937, and went on to be an acclaimed conductor for the standard works of Germanic repertoire, such as Beethoven, Brahms and Mahler. Despite his difficulties in adapting to South California's cultural environment and suffering from episodes of depression, the orchestra thrived under his leadership.

Looking to expand his career, he applied for many positions across the country; however, he was passed over by all. He continued to conduct for the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra until he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The surgery left him paralyzed, depressed, and with fits of insanity – on one occasion having to be admitted to an institution from which he later escaped, but was found and arrested. Although he did conduct on occasion for the LAPH, negative publicity lost him his position as Music Director and he was rejected by most US orchestras.

After WWII, he returned to Europe, earning himself positions in Hungary, Denmark, England, the Netherlands, Germany, and Canada. In his later life, Klemperer developed many health issues resulting from a fall and burn accident, but continued to conduct in the form of arrangements for EMI recording in London. He also expanded out to conduct in Middle Eastern countries including Israel and Palestine, earning himself an honorary passport from Israel. Klemperer died and was buried in Zürich, Switzerland, in 1973, aged 88. He was survived by his son, Werner, and daughter, Lotte.

The Klemperer Collection was presented to the University in the mid-1970s.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized into three series: I. Musical Scores; II. Oversized Musical Scores; III. Other Materials.

Access and use

Terms of access:

The Otto Klemperer Collection of Musical Scores is the physical property of California State University, Los Angeles, John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, Special Collections and Archives.

Preferred citation:

Folder title, Series, Box number, Collection title, followed by Special Collections and Archives, John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, California State University, Los Angeles

Location of this collection:
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8300, US
Contact:
Website