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*L (Special) 02-06, Jack Diether Collection of Sound Recordings, Rodgers and Hammerstein Archives of Recorded Sound, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
The Jack Diether collection was donated to the archives by Mrs. Jack Diether in 2001
Programs, photos, and other print material given to Music Division.
Jack Diether (1919-1987) was a noted musicologist and scholar. He was especially known for his expertise of Gustav Mahler and Anton Bruckner. Over the years, although his major interests remained Mahler and Bruckner, he branched out into many other aspects of music. He was a regular contributor to Chord and Discord, Musical America, American Record Guide, The Villager, The Westsider / Chelsea Clinton News / East Side Express, and wrote articles and reviews for almost all the major music magazines and journals between 1955 and 1986. He also wrote articles for non-musical publications such as Film Quarterly, The Journal of Orgonomy, Psychoanalysis & The Psychological Review, and program notes for many orchestras.
He gave a number of lectures and wrote the scripts for six radio programs for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, including the eight-part The Life of Beethoven and programs on Bruckner, Mahler, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Edward Elgar, and the film music of Bernard Herrmann. His record liner notes covered the musical field for almost every major record label. He was a member of the Gustav Mahler Society of America; Gustav Mahler Society, USA; Music Critics Association; National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences; and the Dance Critics Association, for which he presented some panels on music, including one with conductors of dance music.
The New York Mahlerites, which he co-founded with Nancy Karlins Thoman in 1976, presented annual concerts from 1977 on, offering such rare works as Mahler's Piano Quartet movement, the Songs to Josephine, concert highlights from the Weber-Mahler "Die drei Pintos," and a dance version of "Blumine," choreographed and performed by ballerina Sallie Wilson. The Society, under his leadership, partly sponsored William Carragan's completion of the Bruckner Ninth Symphony, performed in 1985 by the Utrecht Symphony Orchestra and later released in a recording with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Yoav Talmi on the Chandos label.
The collection contains recordings of the radio programs which Diether wrote, including the series "The Life of Beethoven." In addition to the programs themselves, sound cues for the programs are included . Also included are appearences of Diether as a commentator on radio programs and intermission features from concert broadcasts. The collection also contains recordings of concerts by the New York Mahlerites, (today known as The Gustav Mahler Society of New York).
The collection is organized in the following series:
The Life of Beethoven was first produced as a 7 part series in 1970. A revised 8 part version was produced in 1971/72, with the addition of a new episode The Conflict..
The order and titles of the episodes are:
Part 5 The Aftermathand Part 6 The Obsession were not re-recorded for the revised version.
Used in both original and revised versions.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12389.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7A 1537.
Contents: The aftermath (59:01) -- Credits and closing announcements (2:04) -- Fur elise / Ludwig van Beethoven.
Revised version
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12401
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1533.
Contents: Opening announcements (00:21) -- Introduction by Jack Diether (5:20) -- Beethoven in Bonn (50:38) -- Credits and closing announcements (1:47) -- Variations on a theme by Dittersdorf / Ludwig van Beethoven (7:29).
Original version.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12385.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1520.
Contents: Introduction by James Bannerman (3:19) -- Beethoven in Bonn (52:54) -- Credits and closing annoncements (1:07) -- Variations on a theme by Dittersdorf / Ludwig van Beethoven (7:19).
Added episode to the revised version
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12408.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1539.
Contents: The conflict (58:19) -- Credits and closing announcements (1:48).
First dubbing.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12408.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1524.
Contents: Conflict (59:07) -- Credits and closing announcements (1:53).
Original version.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12410.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1525.
Contents: De profundis (56:31) -- Credits and closing announcements (1:20).
Original version - not used.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12407.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1527.
Contents: De profundis (59:13) -- Credits and closing announcements (1:54).
Revised version
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12393.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1540.
Contents: De profundis (57:35) -- Credits and closing announcements (1:44).
Original version.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12409.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1523.
Contents: Eternal feminine (57:55) -- Credits and closing announcements (1:46).
Revised version.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12387.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1536.
Contents: The Eternal Feminine (57:16) -- Credits and closing announcements (1:59) -- Fidelio (1814). Selections / Ludwig van Beethoven (3:57).
Revised version.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12386.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1535.
Contents: The Exile (56:47) -- Credits and closing announcements (2:14) -- Unidentified work for solo piano (6:48).
Original version.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12412.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1522.
Contents: Exile (51:33) -- Credits and closing announcements (2:14) -- Sonata, c# min, op. 27, #2 - movements 1 and 2 / Ludwig van Beethoven (7:32) -- Master of musical pathos, exerpt, NWDR [n.d.] (1:59).
Used in both original and revised series.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12413.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1538.
Contents: Obsession (58:07) -- Credits and closing announcements (1:03) -- Unidentified work (4:33).
Original version.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12384.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1521.
Contents: The young virtuoso (51:18) -- Credits and Closing Arguments (1:06) -- Septet, op.20 (movements 5, 6 and 7) (09:32) / Beethoven.
Revised version.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12411.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1534.
Contents: Young virtuoso (57:10) -- Credits and closing announcements (2:07) -- Unidentified work (6:04).
The New York Mahlerites: Herbert Blayman, clarinet ; Melvyn Broiles, trumpet ; Jole Bruck, harp ; Donald Foster, Richard Woitach, piano ; Jeryl Metz, soprano ; Paula Stark, mezzo-soprano ; Allan Monk, baritone.
List of performers and works on file.
Contents: Lieder und Gesange aus der Jugendzeit / Gustav Mahler -- Lieder (1910) / Alma Mahler -- Mahler and Donizetti: a musicological presentation.
The New York Mahlerites: Alvin Rogers, violin ; Linda Lawrence, viola ; David Moore, cello ; Jeryl Metz, soprano ; Max Lifchitz, Ida Hartman, Richard Woitach, piano.
List of performers and works on file.
Contents: Lider nach Ruckert. Liebst du um Schonheit / Gustav Mahler -- Lieder nach Ruckert. Ich atmet' einen linden Duft / Gustav Mahler -- Lieder nach Ruckert. Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen / Gustav Mahler -- Quartet, piano, strings, A minor. Excerpt / Gustav Mahler -- Im Lenz / Gustav Mahler -- Winterlied / Gustav Mahler -- Maitanz in Grunen / Gustav Mahler -- Homage to Mahler / Heuwell Tircuit -- Knaben Wunderhorn. Rheinlegendchen / Gustav Mahler -- Knaben Wunderhorn. Wo die schonen Trompeten blasen / Gustav Mahler -- Knaben Wunderhorn. Irdische Leben / Gustav Mahler -- Knaben Wunderhorn. Himmlische Leben / Gustav Mahler -- Knaben Wunderhorn. Wer hat des Liedlein erdacht / Gustav Mahler.
The New York Mahlerites: Donald Foster, Richard Woitach, William Carragan, Paul Nudelman, piano ; Jeryl Metz, soprano.
Performed at the studio of the Oliver-Greer Keyboard Craftsmen, W. 31st St., NYC. List of performers and works on file.
The Bruckner Symphony was arranged and completed for 2 pianos from the Alfred Orel score by William Carragan, assisted by Paul Nudelman. The Mahler Symphony was transcribed for 2 pianos from the manuscript sketch by Frederick Block.
The concert also included 5 songs by G. Mahler missing from the recording.
Contents: Symphonies, no. 9, D minor; arr. Finale / Anton Bruckner -- Licht in der Nacht / Alma Mahler -- Waldseligkeit / Alma Mahler -- Hymne / Alma Mahler -- Erkennende / Alma Mahler -- Ekstase / Alma Mahler -- Symphonies, no. 10; arr. Finale / Gustav Mahler.
Performed at the Austrian Institute, E. 52nd St., NYC.
Performed at the Abraham Goodman House, W. 67th St., NYC.
Performed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, NYC.
The New York Mahlerites: Scott Cantrell, William Carragan, organ ; Paul Rogers, Andrea Goodzeit, piano ; Paul Barr, Terry Pierce, Anthony Speziale, Glen Kenreich, trombone ; Mimi Vondra, Danielle Woerner, Doris Holz, soprano ; Janice Meyerson, mezzo-soprano ; Peter Bacchus, flute ; Roger Zahab, Marya Columbia, violins ; Clifford Gilmore, viola ; Daniel Miller, cello ; Michael Egan, double bass ; Patricia Tregellas, accordian.
Performed at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, NYC.
Contents: Preludes, organ / Anton Bruckner -- Equale, trombones (4), WoO 30 / Ludwig Beethoven -- Aequale, trombones (3) / Anton Bruckner -- Knaben Wunderhorn. Irdische Leben / Gustav Mahler -- Knaben Wunderhorn. Rheinlegendchen / Gustav Mahler -- Lieder und Gesange aus der Jugendziet. Nicht wiedersehen / Gustav Mahler -- Lieder und Gesange aus der Jugendziet. Scheiden und Meiden / Gustav Mahler -- Aequale, trombones (3) / Anton Bruckner -- Preludes, organ, C major / Anton Brcukner -- Ekstase / Alma Mahler -- Erkennende / Alma Mahler -- Lieder (1910). Ich wandle unter Blumen / Alma Mahler -- Hymne / Alma Mahler -- Quadrille, piano, 4 hands; arr / Anton Bruckner -- Knaben Wunderhorn. Wo die schonen Trompeten blasen / Gustav Mahler -- Lieder nach Ruckert. Ich atmet' einen linden Duft / Gustav Mahler -- Lieder nach Ruckert. Um Mitternacht / Gustav Mahler.
Includes interviews in which composers' lives and works are discussed as well as documentaires
Documentary recorded for the CBC, 1978/79.
Jack Diether, speaker. Recorded for the CBC.
Jack Diether interviewed by Oscar Lavine on WBAI. (Recorded 2/2/73)
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Broadcast, Disccusion with Martin Bookspan.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12415.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1531.
Contents: Intermission feature (12:08).
Jack Diether with orchestra players on Long Island.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12415.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1531.
Contents: Discussion (19:08).
Jack Diether interviewed by Herman Neuman on Wyn Morris. Discussion abour Mahler. Broadcast on WNYC.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12415.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1531.
Contents: Opening announcements (1:01) -- Interview begins (7:17) -- Das Klagende Lied (part 2) / Gustav Mahler (20:29) -- Interview continues (4:02) -- Das Knaben Wunderhorn (selections) / Gustav Mahler (12:43) -- Interview concludes/ closing announcements (00:59).
Script by Jack Diether.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12414.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1529.
Contents: Life of Vaughan Williams (29:52) -- Unidentified work (8:44) -- Opening announcements (1:12) -- Life of Vaughan Williams, 7/3/72 (29:45) -- Symphony #8 - excerpt / Ralph Vaughan Williams (00:35).
Recorded in Jan. 7, 1974. Broadcast on WQXR. Jack Diether interviewed about Mahler by Robert Sherman.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12415.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1531.
Contents: Discussion begins (14:21) -- Das Knaben Wunderhorn (part 1) / Gustav Mahler (23:12) -- Discussion continues (13:21) -- Symphony #8 (conclusion) / Gustav Mahler (18:48) -- Discussion concludes (2:34).
"Defective at start." Recorded at Wheaton College.
First 60 min. only. Recorded in Potsdam.
recorded for the CBC
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12396.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7 6771.
Original version.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12397.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1530.
Contents: A portrait of Anton Bruckner (59:44) -- Credits and closing announcements (1:01).
Recorded for the CBC.
New opening dubbed 4/30/73.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12395.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1532.
Contents: A portrait of Gustav Mahler (1:25:40) -- Credits and closing announcements (1:06) -- Unidentified fragment (4:18).
Recorded for the CBC.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12391.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7 6770.
Contents: Opening announcements (00:22) -- Portrait of Sir Edward Elgar (1:24:05) -- Credits and closing announcements (2:12) -- Self-deleted portion of cue 1 (1:19).
Re-recorded from an original, paper-based reel tape donated by Mrs. Jack Diether.
Broadcast by radio station KOWL, Santa Monica, CA, Aug. 24, 1948
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-10 4112.
Sound cues for the radio documentary Bernard Hermann, film composer.
Includes 1 replacement cue for The life of Beethoven.
Sound cues for lecture on film music.
Voice track for new part 7.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12394.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1526.
Preservation copy in: *LT-10 12392.
Access to original items restricted.
Original in: *LT-7-A 1528.
Contents: Voice test of Eric Schneider (Karl van Beethoven) (1:23) -- Voice track for part 8 (26:56) -- Unidentified fragment (1:12) -- Voice track for part 8 continued (15:35).
Music cues for the radio documentary Portrait of Sir Edward Elgar.
Shadows (1826). NYPL Art and Architecture Collection.
One of 700,000 pictures in the NYPL Digital Gallery
