Gordon Childs papers on Vazgen Muradian, 1955-1998

Sub-Series — oversize: 6, oversize-folder: 4

Identifier: MSS 8507 Series 2 Sub-Series Sub- 4

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This subseries includes programs, newspaper articles, biographies, and other reviews written about Muradian by Gordon Childs, members of the Viola d’amore Society of America, one of Muradian’s teachers, and other well-known musicians. The sub-series also includes quartets, concertos, and sonatas written by Muradian. These are in the form of photocopied handwritten manuscripts and printed musical scores. Some contain personal annotations and markings by Childs. Dated 1955-1998.

Dates

Creation: 1955-1998

Creator

Muradian, Vazgen (Person)

Language of Materials

Materials in English and Italian.

Conditions Governing Access

Open for public research.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from the Gordon Childs papers on the Viola d'Amore must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Board of Curators.

Biographical / Historical

Vazgen Muradian (born 1921) is a prominent composer from Armenia who has written more music for the viola d'amore than any other living composer.

Vazgen Muradian was born on October 17, 1921 in Ashtarak, Armenia. He studied at the Spendiarian Professional School of Music in Yerevan—the capital of Armenia. He studied composition with Mo Gabriele Bianchi, violin with Mo Luigi Ferro, and viola d’amore with Mo Renzo Sabatini.

In 1950 Muradian traveled to the United States where he played the viola in several orchestras in the United States, including the Wagner Opera Company of New York and the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra. A member of the American Composers’ Society, he has written a concerto for every instrument in classical music and many other rare instruments including the banjo, xylophone, and harmonica. His compositions have been performed all around the U.S. and the world. Muradian has composed more for the viola d’amore than other living composer and gave the first performance on the instrument in Armenia on October 12, 1963. He is also the first Armenian or American composer to write a concerto for the viola d’amore. He currently resides in New York City with his wife, Arpi.

UPB files, July 14, 2014 (born on October 17, 1921 in Ashtarak, Armenia; where he studied and who he studied with; immigrated to U.S. in 1950; what orchestras he played in; premiered the viola d'amore in Armenia on October 12, 1963; currently lives in New York City)