On December 7, the University Libraries hosted “Fine and Rare III: Musical Marvels of Special Collections Unveiled.” At the virtual event, Curator of Special Collections Sam Lemley shared rare musical treasures from the collections. A recording of the event is now available.
Music played a surprisingly important role in the early history of the Libraries' Special Collections. Thanks to resources like the Charles J. Rosenbloom Collection, music students, researchers, and enthusiasts alike have access to significant historical documents from the field.
In “Musical Marvels of Special Collections Unveiled,” Lemley showcased a number of rare and early printed editions of works by well-known composers, including Beethoven, Bach, and Brahms. Special guest Mary Ellen Poole, the Stanley and Marcia Gumberg Dean of the College of Fine Arts, moderated a Q&A session with Lemley at the end of the event.
“What's exciting about these materials is that they're outside of Special Collections' area of focus, which is broadly the history of computing and technology. They're no less important, though, and are endlessly fascinating,” Lemley explained. “The event showed the range of the collection and demonstrated how it speaks to students working across disciplines and academic departments, including in the School of Music.”
If you enjoyed this event, please consider supporting the Libraries with a gift to the Special Collections Acquisition Fund. Your donations fund acquisitions that make possible transformative exhibitions, research, and other programs that bring students, scholars, and members of the public into Special Collections and the Libraries.
Coming up on January 25 at 6:30 p.m., join us for the next installment of Fine and Rare, “Inside CMU Libraries Special Collections.” At this virtual event, Lemley will share newly acquired objects and books from the Libraries' collection of rare books, artifacts, early scientific instruments, and calculating machines. Learn about areas of collection strength, ongoing research, and instructional programs in CMU's Special Collections — and get a sneak peek into the collection's exciting future.