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Emil Breitenfeld Papers, 1952-1959
MSS 332  
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Collection Details
 
Table of contents What's This?
  • Descriptive Summary
  • Access
  • Publication Rights
  • Preferred Citation
  • Biography / Administrative History
  • Scope and Content of Collection
  • Indexing Terms
  • Related Material

  • 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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