David Swedlow Concert Recordings, 1953-1960

Printable guide [HTML]

Title:: David Swedlow Concert Recordings, 1953-1960
Dates:: 1953-1960
Creators:: Swedlow, David, A.
Abstract:: This collection is composed of concert recordings made by David Swedlow at the Philharmonic Auditorium, the Hollywood Bowl, and other venues between 1953 and 1960. Recordings comprise both the Winter and Summer seasons of the Los Angeles Philharmonic during this period, in addition to other classical, jazz, and pop performances at the Hollywood Bowl.
Extent:: 154.0 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:: David Swedlow Concert Recordings, 1953-1960. Los Angeles Philharmonic Archives

Scope and content:: This collection is composed of concert recordings made by David Swedlow at Philharmonic Auditorium, the Hollywood Bowl, and other venues between 1953 and 1960. Recordings comprise both the Winter and Summer seasons of the Los Angeles Philharmonic during this period, in addition to other classical, jazz, and pop performances at the Hollywood Bowl. The collection also includes two seasons (1953 and 1955) of the Pasadena Pops under the direction of David Rose. Swedlow recorded these concerts on reel-to-reel tape using a rare and innovative 3-channel technology: two stereo channels and one center channel. His original playback machine, built by Ampex, also resides in the collection.
Biographical / historical:: David Abraham Swedlow, 1911-1991, was founder of Swedlow, Inc., an acrylics manufacturing company based in Garden Grove, CA. His innovative acrylic-shaping techniques improved the cockpit windows, canopies, and windshields of military planes. He also enjoyed traveling, fishing, photography, Japanese art, and music. Between 1953 and 1960, he used a specially built 3-track reel-to-reel machine to record performances of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in various venues. Swedlow died of cancer in Corona del Mar, CA at age 89. (Source: Collection materials and Los Angeles Times, 1/29/91)
Acquisition information:: Recordings donated to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Archives by David Swedlow.

Collection Guide Author:: Finding aid created by Los Angeles Philharmonic Archives staff.
Date Prepared:: 1953-1960
Date Encoded:: This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:: These recordings require play back on special 3-track equipment. The Los Angeles Philharmonic Archives is not in possession of properly maintained equipment for the purpose of reviewing this non-standardized format. However, most of the recordings have been digitized and may be available to access depending on restrictions. Please contact the Archivist for more information. Permission to examine archival holdings will be granted to researchers by appointment only and upon completion of an agreement form (available via online). Please bring proper identification. Original documents do not circulate and may only be used in the Reading Room of the Archives. Audio collections may require special equipment for play back and may also have additional restrictions on usage/access. Please contact the Archivist for more information. Requests for photocopies, digital scans, and other copies of archival material will be satisfied based on copyright restrictions and staff resources. Duplication fees may apply. Property rights to the physical object belong to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association. Literary rights, including copyright, are usually retained by creators, performers, and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish in cases where the LAPA does not hold copyright.

Preferred citation:: David Swedlow Concert Recordings, 1953-1960. Los Angeles Philharmonic Archives

Location of this collection:: Los Angeles Philharmonic Archives

151 South Grand Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90012-3034, US