Alexander Fried (1903-1988) was a musical critic writing in San Francisco from the 1920s to the 1970s. He worked for various publications including “Musical Digest” as a translator and managing editor, “San Francisco Chronicle” as a music editor, and “San Francisco Examiner” as an art and music editor. This collection consists of news clippings illustrating his career as a critic from 1930-1977 that provide insight into the growth of the San Francisco performing arts scene, including pieces on the San Francisco Symphony, the San Francisco Opera, and the San Francisco Ballet, as well as others.

Alexander Fried (1903-1988) was a pianist turned musical critic. At Columbia University, he studied with composer Daniel Gregory Mason and received a Mosenthal Fellowship and began writing musical criticism and analysis of performances while ushering at Carnegie Hall. He worked as a translator for “Musical Digest,” where he eventually became a managing editor. With help from San Francisco Opera director, Gaetano Merola, he became a music editor for the “San Francisco Chronicle” where he worked from 1926 to 1934 when he took a job as art and music editor at the “San Francisco Examiner” where he worked until 1977.

6 Boxes. 6.7 linear feet.

Reproduction of these materials can occur only if the copying falls within the provisions of the doctrine of fair use. Copyright varies by item.

Entire Collection is open for research.