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George H. Durham manuscripts

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 7967

Scope and Contents

The George H. Durham manuscripts consist of manuscripts both arrangements and original compositions including religious or sacred music, patriotic songs, and many others done by George H. Durham throughout his life as a composer, conductor and teacher. Collection also contains printed scores owned by George H. Durham, and LP and 78 recordings of Durham's works.

Dates

  • 1904-1970

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Open to public research.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from the George H. Durham manuscripts must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Board of Curators.

Biographical History

George H. Durham (1883-1974) was a conductor, composer, and studious arranger.

Durham was born in Parowan, Utah in 1883, the son of a pioneer musician by the name of Thomas Durham. Receiving his early education from the Murdock Academy in Beaver, Utah. His musical talent led him to further study in Salt Lake City, Utah under the direction of John J. McClellan, Hugh Dougall, and Tracy Y. Cannon.

In 1913, his small family moved to Boston where he pursued advanced musical studies for the next five years with Charles W. Chadwick, dean of American composers, at the New England Conservatory of Music. He also studied at Boston University and completed summer courses with Archibald Davison and other Harvard University faculty members.

After he returned to Utah in 1918, Durham served as Music Supervisor of the Beaver County Schools. Later he served as Head of the Music Department of the L.D.S. High School and Junior College, directed Men's and Ladies Glee Clubs, large mixed choruses at General Conference, and produced/ conducted annual school operettas with C. Lowell Lees. Durham later studied composition with Arnold Schoenberg at the University of Southern California from 1935-36.

Extent

1 box (0.5 linear ft)

5 oversize boxes (8.3 linear ft)

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement

The original order of the collection has been retained.

Custodial History

Donated by Thomas Durham in 2011.

Donated by Thomas Durham in 2012.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated; Thomas Durham; 2011.

Donated; Thomas Durham; 2012.

Appraisal

Noteworthy LDS composer (Section IV. LDS Music Archives Collection Development Policy January 2011).

Processing Information

Processed; Melissa James; October 2011.

Processed; Melissa James; November 2012.

Title
Register of George H. Durham manuscripts
Status
Completed
Author
Melissa James
Date
2011 October 7
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English in Latin script.

Repository Details

Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository

Contact:
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States