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Collection Description
Collection name
Ballad Concerts (1867-1933)
Unique identifier
Description
A collection of 51 volumes of programmes from Ballad Concerts, 1867 to 1933. The programmes are from the significant series of ballad concerts, often entitled “London Ballad Concerts” or “Boosey Ballad Concerts”. The latter of these denotes the promoter of the concerts, Boosey & Co. The concerts were founded by the publisher to promote sales of their Ballad sheet music.
Most volumes in the collection contain a manuscript index, which is attached to the volume. These indexes list the items performed and corresponding page number. The programmes contain words to the items sung.
The programmes are from concerts that took place in St. James’s Hall (-1893), Queen’s Hall (1894-1907; 1927-1933) and Royal Albert Hall (1907-1927). At certain points in the collection, the programmes are from concerts that took place at regular points during the week; for instance, early programmes in the collection are from concerts given on Wednesdays.
The number of concerts per series varied; from approximately 1867 to 1903, there were frequently at least 12 concerts per season, occasionally more. The number of concerts appeared to have dropped after this time: for instance, there were eight concerts in 1912-1913, yet only four in 1928-1929. The final season represented in this collection – from the 1933 season – contained only one concert in the entire season.
The programmes are from concerts that consisted largely of vocal music. The concerts consisted chiefly of solo items; however later programmes in the collection also include choral items, and a few concert performances of opera. Solo vocal items were taken from a variety of sources, including light opera, serious opera and oratorio. Programmes often included a few instrumental items interspersed with the vocal items.
The collection includes a small amount of programmes from Morning Ballad Concerts. There are also a few miscellaneous programmes from, for instance, a Boosey’s Evening Recital in the Wigmore Hall.
Arrangement:
The programmes are arranged chronologically.
Date range
1867 - 1933
Associated People and Organisations
London Ballad Concerts -
Boosey & Hawkes -
Boosey's Evening Recital -
Morning Ballad Concerts (Part of London Ballad Concerts) -
Associated Places
Eastbrook Hall, Bradford
Wigmore Hall
St. George’s Hall, Bradford
Royal Albert Hall
Queen's Hall, London
Associated Times
19th century - mid Victorian 1851-1875
20th century - early 1900-1930
20th century - mid 1931-1970
19th century - late Victorian 1876-1899
Associated Content
Musical Examples
Analytical Notes
Star Item(s)
Strength(s)
Further details
Most volumes have inventory of works performed, listed alphabetically
Viewing the Collection
Mon-Fri by appointment
Visiting information
Location details
Royal College Of Music, Library
London SW7 2BS Open Map
DOMUS
Website
http://www.rcm.ac.uk/library/
Email
Telephone
Fax
Building Information
Collections Overview
Display Overview
NEW CONTACT DETAILS: 020 7591 4325; [email protected].; https://www.rcm.ac.uk/library
Star Objects
For details of other collections held at the same location: See the location record
Additional Collection Information
Accrual Status
Open
Legal Status
Custodial History
Related Publications
Management Information (Type)
Collection Owner(s)
Collection Creator(s)
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