Inventory of the Aaron Blumenfeld Papers, 1958-[ongoing]

Processed by The Music Library staff; machine-readable finding aid created by Xiuzhi Zhou

Music Library

Hargrove Music Library

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, California, 94720-6000

Phone: (510) 642-2623

Email: music_reference@berkeley.edu

URL: https://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/music_library_archives

Inventory of the Aaron Blumenfeld Papers, 1958-[ongoing]

Collection number: ARCHIVES BLUMENFELD 1

The Music Library

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, California

Contact Information

Hargrove Music Library
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California, 94720-6000
Phone: (510) 642-2623
Email: music_reference@berkeley.edu
URL: https://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/music_library_archives

Processed by:: Laura Dale Clopton, May 1993
Revised by:: Judy Tsou, June 1994, and Atsuko Tanida, 1998
Date Completed:: 1994
Encoded by:: Xiuzhi Zhou

Descriptive Summary

Title: Aaron Blumenfeld Papers

Date (inclusive): 1958-[ongoing]

Collection number: ARCHIVES BLUMENFELD 1

Creator: Blumenfeld, Aaron

Extent: Number of containers: 2 document boxes, 3 flat storage boxes, 3 cartons

Linear feet: 5.25

Repository: The Music Library

Berkeley, California 94720-6000

Shelf location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Language: English.

Administrative Information

Acquisition

November, 1989, and every year since.

Donor

Aaron Blumenfeld

Access

Collection is open for research.

Publication Rights

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of the Music Library.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item,] Aaron Blumenfeld Papers, ARCHIVES BLUMENFELD 1, The Music Library, University of California, Berkeley.

Biography

Aaron Blumenfeld was born in Newark, N.J. on April 18, 1932. His father was a noted scholar and author on Jewish jurisprudence and a rabbi. He attended New York University (1950-52) and received a teaching certificate. Blumenfeld attended Juilliard School of Music from 1952 to 1954, first studying double bass, and later composition with Bernard Wagenaar. In 1962 and 1974, he received a B.A. and a M.A. in music composition from Rutgers University, where he studied with Robert Moevs. He attended Yeshiva University in 1967, and the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1968 for studies in Cantorial music.

Blumenfeld taught music, hebrew, and religion in various schools between 1956 and 1971 in New Jersey. He also conducted synagogue choirs and played the organ. During his sojourn in Israel (1974-77), he taught jazz piano at the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem and performed in many concerts. He has taught piano improvisation at the University of California, Berkeley Extension Division since 1979.

Blumenfeld wrote instrumental and vocal music. He wrote Jewish music such as his Holocaust Memorial Cantata, as well as classical genres such as piano concertos, piano solo music, chamber music, and songs. He authored a music theory book, A New Perspective on Twelve Tone Harmony.

Blumenfeld and his wife Barbara make their home in Richmond, California. They have three married children, and eight grandchildren.

Scope And Content

The core collection, mostly music manuscripts, correspondence, concert programs and performance tapes, were given to the Music Library in November, 1989. The composer has been donating other manuscripts every year, as documented by the acquisition correspondence (8/1). This is an ongoing collection; the composer will continue to donate more manuscripts from time to time.

The music manuscripts and books were arranged in four series by the composer (Orchestral Works, Chamber Works, Student Works, Books) when the materials were delivered to the Music Library. We felt that it is important to keep the collection as close to the original arrangements as possible but with modification to make sure the materials fit into the right categories. We retained the sub-categories of Chamber Works but made them into Series of their own. We also made minor adjustments to make the terms broader so that we can include materials donated later (e.g., duos, instead of duo sonatas; trios, instead of trio sonatas). Thus, we now have fourteen series as follows: Orchestral Works,Piano Works, Duos, Trios, Other Chamber Ensembles, Chamber Opera, Songs, Choral Works, Student Works (Music), Writings, Juvenalia (Writings and Notes), Correspondence, Concert Programs, and Audio Materials.

At the time of the initial donation, there were only Choral Works accompanied by orchestras. Thus, the composer has classified them under Orchestral Works. Due to the new works, we have now separated the manuscripts into the its own series. However, the symphonic poems remain in the Orchestra Series because it is not primarily a choral work.

The early works of the composer are divided into two sections: Student Works (Music) and Juvenalia (Writings and Assignments). The Student Works (Series IX) are early complete musical compositions. The Juvenalia (Series XI) includes diaries, school term papers, and miscellaneous music assignments.

Concert Programs are classified with reviews and biographical materials in Series VII. Most journal articles on the composer discusses his life as well as his works. And often, the article came into being because of an upcoming concert or premier performance of a work. Therefore, it is hard to separate these materials into separate series.

Finally, the audio materials includes tapes of his compositions, improvisations on the piano by the composer, and radio interview. There are reel-to-reel, cassette, as well as video tapes.

The collection is divided into eight series, based on the series specified by the composer in 1989:

I: Orchestral Works
II: Piano Works
III: Duos
IV: Trios
V: Other Chamber Ensembles
VI: Chamber Opera
VII: Songs
VIII: Choral Works
IX: Student Works (Music)
X: Writings
XI: Juvenalia (Writings and School Assignments)
XII: Correspondence
XIII: Concert Programs, Reviews, Biographical Materials
XIV: Audio Materials

Series I: Orchestral Works

Box-folder 1/1

Barrelhouse Piano Concerto-Suite. (Derived from Piano Concerto, No. 1). Full score, photocopy.

Box-folder 1/2

Barrelhouse Concerto-Suite. Coda. Full score.

Box-folder 9/1

Concerto for Clarinet (B-flat) and Orchestra (1995)

Box-folder 4/1-2

[Concertos, piano, no. 1, Bb Major] Concerto in Bb, "Barrelhouse;" Movts. 1-2, 3 (1978). Full score (Oversize)

Box-folder 4/3

Piano Concerto No. 2 (1983). Full score (Oversize)

Box-folder 1/3

Piano Concerto, No. 3, for piano and chamber orchestra. Full score.

Box-folder 5/1

Piano Concerto, No. 4 (1983-84). Full Score . (Oversize)

Box-folder 1/4

Piano Concerto, No. 4, 3rd Movt. Short Score.

Box-folder 5/2

Piano Concerto, No. 5 (1985). Full Score

Box-folder 1/5

Piano Concerto, No. 5. Short score with piano part.

Box-folder 1/6

Piano Concerto, No. 5. Short score.

Box-folder 5/3

Piano Concerto, No. 6 (1986). Full score.

Box-folder 5/4

Piano Concerto, No. 6. Piano part.

Box-folder 1/7

Piano Concerto, No. 6. Parts.

Box-folder 5/5

Piano Concerto, No. 7 (1989). Full score.

Box-folder 6/1

Piano Concerto, No. 8 (1990). Full score.

Box-folder 9/2

Piano Concerto, No. 9 (1995). Full score

Box-folder 1/8

Dancing School Rag. Full score.

Box-folder 1/9

Ezk'roh: A symphonic song. Full score. [Reduction for Violin, Piano, and Voice is listed under the Song Subseries 7/3]

Box-folder 1/10

Ezk'roh: A Symphonic Song for the Ingathering & Redemption of the Jewish People. Full score, photocopy. Corrected, final version of piece with some orchestration improvements, marked in red.

Box-folder 1/11

Fantasy Variations for violin and orchestra (1993). Full score, violin part in pocket.

Box-folder 6/2

From the Depths of the Temple: Holocaust Memorial Symphonic Poem. For orchestra, chorus, baritone, and narrator (1988). Full score.

Box-folder 2/1

[From the Depths of the Temple] Holocaust Memorial Symphonic Poem. Parts.

Box-folder 2/7

Homeward Bound Rag. Full score.

Box-folder 2/8

Jewish Holidays and Festivals: Suite for String Orchestra (1992)

Box-folder 2/9

Romance for Piano and Orchestra. Full score.

Box-folder 2/10

United Nations Rag. Full score.

Series II: Piano Works

Box-folder 2/11

Blues Piano Variations (1989)

Box-folder 2/12

Four Meditations on the Ultimate Question, Book I

Box-folder 2/13

Four Meditations on the Ultimate Question, Book II

Box-folder 2/14

Twelve Nocturnes for Piano (1991)

Box-folder 2/15

Twelve Nocturne Studies for Piano (1997)

Box-folder 2/16

Piano Sonata, No. 3 (1984-85)

Box-folder 2/17

Piano Sonata, No. 4 (1989)

Box-folder 2/18

Suite No. 1: Twelve Short Pieces for Piano: For the Twelve Tonal Centers

Box-folder 2/19A

Suite No. 2: Twelve Miniatures for Piano: For the Twelve Tonal Centers

Box-folder 2/19B

Twelve Piano Rags -- "Original manuscript used to Create primary copy for book"

Box-folder 2/20

Twelve Waltzes for Piano, nos. 1-4 (1992)

Box-folder 2/21

Twelve Waltzes for Piano, nos. 5-8 (1992)

Box-folder 2/22

Twelve Waltzes for Piano, nos. 9-12 (1992)

Series III: Duos

Box-folder 3/1

Sonata Series, No. 1: Sonata for Violin and Piano (1975). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/2

Sonata Series, No. 2: Sonata for Cello and Piano (1978-79). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/3

Sonata Series, No. 3: Sonata for Viola and Piano (1976-79). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/4

Sonata Series, No. 4: Sonata for Oboe and Piano (1979). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/5

Sonata Series, No. 5: Sonata for Clarinet and Piano (1980). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/6

Sonata Series, No. 6: Sonata for French Horn and Piano (1980). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/7

Sonata Series, No. 7: Sonata for Trumpet and Piano (1980). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/8

Sonata Series, No. 8: Sonata for Flute and Piano (1981). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/9

Sonata Series, No. 9: Sonata for Bassoon and Piano (1981). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/10

Sonata Series, No. 10: Sonata for Trombone and Piano (1981). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/11

Sonata Series, No. 11: Sonata for Double Bass and Piano (1982). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/12

Sonata Series, No. 12: Sonata for Tuba and Piano (1982). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/13

Sonatina [No. 1] for Violin and Piano (1992). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/14

Sonatina, No. 2, for Violin and Piano (1992). Score and part

Box-folder 3/15

Sonatina, No. 3, for Violin and Piano (1993). Score and part

Box-folder 3/16

Sonatina, No. 4, for Violin and Piano (1993). Score and part

Box-folder 3/17

Sonatina, No. 5, for Violin and Piano (1993). Score and part

Box-folder 3/18

Sonatina, No. 6, for Violin and Piano (1993). Score and part

Box-folder 3/19

Sonatina, No. 7, for Violin and Piano (1993). Score and part

Box-folder 3/20

Sonatina, No. 8, for Violin and Piano (1993). Score and part

Box-folder 3/21

Sonatina, No. 9, for Violin and Piano (1993). Score and part

Box-folder 3/22

Sonatina, No. 10, for Violin and Piano (1993). Score and part

Box-folder 3/23

Sonatina, No. 11, for Violin and Piano (1993). Score and part

Box-folder 3/24

Sonatina, No. 12, for Violin and Piano (1993). Score and part

Box-folder 3/25

Twenty Four Sonatinas for Violin and Piano, No. 13 & 14 (1996). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/26

Twenty Four Sonatinas for Violin and Piano, No. 15 & 16 (1996). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/27

Twenty Four Sonatinas for Violin and Piano, No. 17 & 18 (1997). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/28

Twenty Four Sonatinas for Violin and Piano, No. 19 & 20 (1997). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/29

Twenty Four Sonatinas for Violin and Piano, No. 21 & 22 (1997). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/30

Twenty Four Sonatinas for Violin and Piano, No. 23 (1997) & No. 24 (1998). Score and part.

Box-folder 3/31

Waltz for Clarinet and Piano (1994). Score and part.

Series IV: Trios

Box-folder 3/32

Three Phoney Phugues for Phlute, Hoboe, and Clorinette (1991). Score only

Box-folder 3/33

No. 1, Trio Series: Trio Sonata for Violin, Cello, and Piano (1983-84). Score and parts.

Box-folder 3/34

No. 2, Trio Series: Trio Sonata for Viola, Double Bass, and Piano (1985). Score and parts.

Box-folder 3/35

No. 3, Trio Series: Trio Sonata for Oboe, Bassoon, and Piano (1985). Score and parts.

Box-folder 3/36

No. 4, Trio Series: Trio Sonata for Clarinet, French Horn, and Piano (1986). Score and parts.

Box-folder 3/37

No. 5, Trio Series: Trio Sonata for Trumpet, Bass Trombone, and Piano (1986). Score and parts.

Box-folder 3/38

No. 6, Trio Series: Trio Sonata for Flute, Tuba, and Piano (1987). Score and parts.

Series V: Other Chamber Ensembles

Box-folder 6/, Oversize 4

Anthem-Rhapsody for Brass Quintet and Piano. Photocopy. Note on cover by composer: Manuscript lost. (Oversize)

Box-folder 3/33

Sonata for Chamber Ensemble and Piano: Piano Sextet (1988). Full score.

Box-folder 3/34

Sonata for Piano, Chamber Ensemble, and Two voices (1987). Full score.

Box-folder 3/35

Sonata for Piano, Chamber Ensemble, and Two voices (1987). Libretto and parts.

Series VI: Chamber Opera

Box-folder 3/36

Hashiur = The Lesson: One Act Chamber Opera (1986). Full Score.

Box-folder 3/37

Hashiur - The Lesson: One Act Chamber Opera (1986). Parts.

Series VII: Songs

Box-folder 7/1

A-ni Chamol Alechem

Box-folder 7/2

Behind the Windshield: Song for Baritone and Piano (1988)

Box-folder 7/3A

Ezk'roh: For Violin, Piano, and Voice. [For Orchestral version, see Orchestra Series 1/9]

Box-folder 7/3B

Gray Daze: For Soprano and Piano (1995)

Box-folder 7/4A

Haiku: 42 Miniatures for Female Voice and Piano (1988)

Box-folder 7/4B

Maya's Poem: For Soprano and Piano (1995)

Box-folder 7/5

Monolith

Box-folder 7/6A

The Peace: For Soprano, Flute, French Horn, and Piano (1994). Score and parts.

Box-folder 7/6B

Prayers of Supplication from the Psalm of David: 12 Songs for baritone and piano (1996). In 7 books.

Box-folder 6/, Oversize 5

Song of Songs: For Soprano and Orchestra (1990) [Piano version, 1987]. Full score. (Oversize)

Box-folder 7/7

Song of Songs: For Soprano and Piano (1987)

Box-folder 7/8

[5] Songs on Poems by Shlomo Ibn Gabirol

Box-folder 7/9

The "Times and Seasons" Soncylce: For Soprano, Baritone, and Piano (1984)

Box-folder 7/10

Trinity Poets Songcycle II (1990)

Box-folder 7/11

Trinity Poets Songcycle III

Box-folder 7/12

Trinity Poets Songcycle IV (1992)

Box-folder 7/13A

Trinity Poets Songcycle V (1993)

Box-folder 7/13B

Trinity [Poets] Songcylcle VI (1997)

Box-folder 7/14

Variations on the Turtle: Song for Baritone and Piano (1988)

Series VIII: Choral Works

Box-folder 7/15

Biblical Chant for Cantor, chorus, and Percussion (1992)

Box-folder 6/3

Holocaust Memorial Cantata for Friday Evening Sacred Service (1985). Full score.

Box-folder 2/2

Holocaust Memorial Cantata -- Vocal Score

Box-folder 2/3

Holocaust Memorial Cantata -- Piano PT. with vocal cues

Box-folder 2/4

Holocaust Memorial Cantata -- Choral Score

Box-folder 2/5

Holocaust Memorial Cantata -- Orchestra Parts

Box-folder 2/6

Holocaust Memorial Cantata -- Text

Series IX: Student Works (Music)

Box-folder 7/15

Blues Prelude (1975)

Box-folder 7/16

Canonic Hymn for Brass Choir

Box-folder 7/17

24 Dominant-Tonic Etudes in the Early Classical Style

Box-folder 7/18

"Inspiration": Joel 3 & 4: Anthem for Baritone, Choir, and Organ (1955)

Box-folder 7/19

Four Nocturnes in the Early Style

Box-folder 7/20

Four Pieces for Piano

Box-folder 7/21

Ragtime Compositions (15 pieces)

Box-folder 7/22

String Quartet: Suite for 7 Models

Box-folder 7/23

Piano Sonata, No. 1 (1956)

Box-folder 7/24

Piano Sonata, No. 2

Box-folder 7/25

Sonata for Trombone and Piano (1975)

Box-folder 7/26

Suite for Piano: Five Compositions Utilizing Blues and Barrelhouse Piano Techniques (1972)

Series X: Writings

Box-folder 7/27A

Blues and Boogie Piano Styles (manuscript)

Box-folder 7/27B

Free Improvisation at the Piano, Part II: The Psychology of Music Improvisation: Course Description and Lesson Plans [A Proposal for a New Course]

Box-folder 7/28

A Method for Avant Garde Piano Improvisation (1983). Photocopy

Series XI: Juvenalia (Writings and School Assignments)

Box-folder 7/29

Diary I

Box-folder 7/30

Diary II

Box-folder 7/31

Term Papers and School Assignments I

Box-folder 7/32

Term Papers and School Assignments II

Box-folder 7/33

Term Papers and School Assignments III

Box-folder 7/34

Term Papers and School Assignments IV

Series Xii: Correspondence

Box-folder 8/1

Acquisitions Correspondence (between the composer and the Music Library. Includes gift agreement 11/22/89 and a list of corrections to his compositions 1/31/94)

Box-folder 8/2

Personal Letters (1958-1993)

Box-folder 8/3

Personal Letters (1958-1993). Photocopies (acid-free)

Box-folder 8/4

Letters to the editor

Series XIII: Concert Programs, Reviews, Biographical Materials

Box-folder 8/5

Concert Programs, 1972-present

Box-folder 8/6

Newspaper Clippings : 1971-1993. Photocopies.

Box-folder 8/7

Journal Articles I-- on Blumenfeld and his music

Box-folder 8/8

Journal Articles II-- on Blumenfeld and his music

Box-folder 8/9

Miscellany -- Reviews and Course Descriptions

Box-folder 8/10

Printed Music - in jounal, Music for the Love of It.

Scope and Content Note

Meditation #3 for Piano (June 1996). Excerpt from Rag #2, from Twelve Piano Rags for Piano in the Classic Rag Style (June 1997).

Box-folder 8/11

Biographical Materials -- Documents, Photographs, etc.

Series XIV: Audio Materials

Note

[All items stored in Box 8]

A. Reel-To-Reel Tapes

tape 1

October, 1983. Free Improvisation at the piano. Mill College

tape 2-3

November, 1983. Free Improvisation at the piano. Mills College. Tapes 1 & 2.

tape 4-5

December, 1983. Free Improvisation at the piano. Mills College. Tapes 1 & 2.

tape 6

February 7, 1988. Concert Tape.

tape 7-8

November 17, 1985. Martinex Forum Concert Tapes, 1 & 2.

B. Cassette Tapes

tape 9

Piano Concerto No. 5

tape 10

Piano Concerto No. 6

tape 11

Hashiur

tape 12

Holocaust Memorial Symphonic Poem

tape 13

Holocaust Memorial Cantata

tape 14

Piano Sonata No. 3

tape 15

Nocturnes 4, 5, 7, 12

tape 47

Nocturnes for Piano, No. 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12;

Waltzes for Piano, No. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11

tape 48

Sonatas for Violin and Piano, No. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9

Piano Improvisations

tape 16-17

Blues Piano Improvisations

tape 18-20

Free Improvisations at the Piano

tape 21

Ten Free Improvisations at the Piano

tape 22

Twelve Free Improvisations at the Piano

tape 23-25

Piano Improvisations (10/83, 11/83, 10/87)

tape 26

Sonata for Trumpet

tape 27

Sonatinas 6, 7, 9

tape 28

Trio Sonata: Trumpet, Trombone, Piano

tape 29

Trio Sonata: Clarinet, French Horn, Piano

tape 30

Trio Sonata: Viola, Double Bass, Piano

tape 31

Trio Sonata: Oboe, Bassoon, Piano

tape 32

Jazz Sonata

tape 33

Haiku

tape 34

Three Songs for Baritone and piano

tape 35

Songs of Songs

tape 36

Songs from the Trinity Songcycles II, III

tape 45

Nocturnes, waltzes, songs, and Sonatina No. 6

tape 46

Twelve Original Blues Piano Improvisations (with list)

Interviews

tape 37

KPFA Radio. 11/10/86; 6/1/81

tape 38

SCSM. 6/86

tape 39

KKUP. 10/86

tape 40

Program CHALIL. 3/87

tape 41

KJAZ. 5/20/90

tape 42

Porgy and Bess II. Outline of the Plot as conceived by the originator, 1/7/93.

C. Video Tapes

tape 43

Blues Piano Concert-Lecture. Channel 28. El Cerrito

tape 44

Tape of 10 Original Free Improvisations (piano) by Aaron Blumenfeld. Audio only, no video.

Series XV: Sketches

Box-folder 9/3

Cantata for Choir (and Orchestra). Notebook, undated.

Box-folder 9/4

[Concertos, piano, no. 1, Bb Major] Concerto in Bb, "Barrelhouse". Notebook. 1966-

Box-folder 9/5

[Concertos, piano, no. 1, Bb Major] Concerto in Bb, "Barrelhouse"; 3rd Movt. 1966-

Box-folder 9/6

Piano Concerto, 1st Movt.