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Max Steiner Music Society

 Organization

Administrative History

The Max Steiner Music Society was an active organization from 1965 to 1981. It was established by Albert K. Bender and operated out of Kankakee, Illinois. The society’s stated purpose was, "Aiming to perpetuate the mmusic of Max Steiner." The society gathered and distributed research and writings centered around the historical and critical appreciation of the film music scoring of Max Steiner, who has been called the "father of film music." International in scope, the society published these writings in regular journals, annuals, and bulletins primarily in America and Europe, but also throughout the world. It also maintained a music catalog of Max Steiner’s work, from which it distributed audio recordings. The society also recognized the accomplishments of other film music scores by presenting the Max Steiner Award.

Citation:
UPB files, January 29, 2021 (active 1965-1981; stated purpose: "Aiming to Perpetuate the Music of Max Steiner"; gathered and distributed research and writings centered around the historical and critical appreciation of the film music scoring of Max Steiner; international scope; published primarily in Europe; maintained a music catalog of Max Steiner’s work, from which it distributed audio recordings; recognized the accomplishments of other film music scores by presenting the Max Steiner Award)

Wikipedia, via WWW, January 29, 2021 (disbanded in 1981; established by Albert K. Bender)

Worldcat.org, via WWW, January 29, 2021 (based in Kankakee, Illinois)

Found in 5 Collections and/or Records:

Max Steiner Music Society administrative records, approximately 1890-1999, bulk: 1965-1987

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2108 Series 3
Scope and Contents Contains Max Steiner Music Society records documenting society activies, such as photographs, letters, lists, articles used in society publications, and notes. Also contains collected materials honoring or otherwise related to Max Steiner, such as music scores, ephemera, obituaries and other clippings, Brigham Young University Department of Music photographs and program of tribute to Max Steiner in 1971, and memorial programs from services for Max Steiner and his wife, Lee Steiner. Dated...
Dates: approximately 1890-1999; Majority of material found within 1965-1987

Max Steiner Music Society audio and video recordings, 1928-1981

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2108 Series 4
Scope and Contents

Contains recordings of Max Steiner music produced by the Max Steiner Music Society on audiocassette, audiotape reels, and phonograph records. Many duplicate recordings throughout. Some audiocassettes are recordings of music rehearsals, Max Steiner Music Society meetings, and radio programs featuring Max Steiner music. Also contains a VHS and Super8 recording of "A Star for Max," a memoir of Max Steiner by R. Mitchell. Materials dated 1928 to 1981.

Dates: 1928-1981

Max Steiner Music Society collection of publications, 1932-2009

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2108 Series 2
Scope and Contents

Contains publications, including journals, magazines, books, articles, and booklets. Most publications engage with the topic of Max Steiner and his film composition work. Dated 1932 to 2009.

Dates: 1932-2009

Max Steiner Music Society publications, 1965-2000

 Series
Identifier: MSS 2108 Series 1
Scope and Contents

Contains publications produced by or with the Max Steiner Music Society, including journals, newsletters, and booklets. Some materials are in French and Dutch. Dated 1965 to 2000.

Dates: 1965-2000

Max Steiner Music Society records

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 2108
Scope and Contents Contains publications produced by or with the Max Steiner Music Society, and other publications collected by the Society that feature Max Steiner or his film music composition work. Also contains records of society activities, such as photographs, letters, articles used in society publications, and sound recordings of Max Steiner music on audiocassette, phonograph record, and audiotape, some of which was distributed by the society as part of a music catalog. Collection also contains material...
Dates: approximately 1890-2009; Majority of material found within 1965-1988