Collection Summary
Robert Evett Collection 1942-2001
(bulk 1950-1975)
1942-2001
(bulk
1950-1975)
ML31.E94
Evett, Robert, 1922-1975
approximately 1,450 items
9 containers
6.5 linear feet
English
Collection materials chiefly in English.
Music Division, Library of Congress
Washington, D.C.
Robert Evett (1922-1975) was a composer,
arts editor, and critic who made his home primarily in the Washington, D.C., area. This
collection contains several scores, sketches, and instrument parts for works composed by
Evett; biographical information collected by Evett's family after his death; and his
published book and music reviews for the "Atlantic Monthly," "New Republic," and
"Washington Star-News."
Selected Search Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the LC Catalog. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically.
People
Bales, Richard, 1915-1998.
Bishop, Elizabeth, 1911-1979.
Butler, Ethel.
Dorati, Antal.
Evett, Robert 1922-1975--Biography.
Evett, Robert, 1922-1975--Archives.
Evett, Robert, 1922-1975.
Gerber, Steven R.
Graves, Robert, 1895-1985.
Husa, Karel, 1921-2016.
Parris, Robert, 1924-1999.
Organizations
American Composers Alliance--History.
Atlantic monthly (Boston, Mass. : 1857)--History.
Institute of Contemporary Arts (Washington, D.C.)--History.
National Symphony Orchestra (Washington, D.C.)--History.
New Republic, LLC--History.
Washington star-news (Washington, D.C. : 1852-1981)--History.
Subjects
Chamber music--Scores and parts.
Choral music.
Composers--United States--Biography.
Composers--United States--Correspondence.
Music--Washington (D.C.)--20th century--History and criticism--Sources.
Musicians as authors.
Musicians--United States--Interviews.
Orchestral music--Scores and parts.
Periodicals--United States--History.
Piano music.
Form/Genre
Art music.
Autographs (Manuscripts)
Biographies.
Business correspondence.
Chamber music.
Clippings (Information artifacts)
Concert programs.
Diazotypes (Copies)
Interviews.
Music criticism and reviews.
Musical sketches.
Parts (Music)
Personal correspondence.
Reports.
School records.
Scores.
Writings (Documents)
Provenance
Gift of the heirs of Robert Evett, 2012.
Custodial History
After Robert Evett's death in 1975, materials were maintained by his brother Kenneth
Evett and then later by Kenneth's son David and his wife Marianne Evett.
Accruals
No further accruals are expected.
Processing History
The Robert Evett Collection was processed by Morgen Stevens-Garmon and Melissa Young in
February 2020. Morgen Stevens-Garmon coded the finding aid in 2020.
Transfers
Two audio cassettes and fifteen reel-to-reel audio tapes have been transferred to the
Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting, and Recorded Sound Division where they
are identified as part of the Robert Evett Collection (MAVIS collection no. 16271). An
inventory of this material is available in the Music Division's collection file.
Other Repositories
The New York Public Library holds a small collection of Robert Evett's scores.
Materials Cataloged Separately
More than sixty holograph scores by Robert Evett are cataloged in ML96.E85 and can be
requested in the Performing Arts Reading Room.
Copyright Status
Materials from the Robert Evett Collection are governed by the Copyright Law of the
United States (Title 17, U.S.C.) and other applicable international copyright laws.
Access and Restrictions
The Robert Evett Collection is open to research. Researchers are advised to contact the
Music Division prior to visiting in order to determine whether the desired materials
will be available at that time.
Certain restrictions to use or copying of materials may apply.
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information:
[item, date, container number], Robert Evett Collection, Music Division, Library of
Congress, Washington, D.C.
Biographical Note
Date
Event
1922, November 30
Born in Loveland, Colorado
1941
Began music composition courses at Colorado College in Colorado
Springs
1943
Telluride fellow at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and studied under
Roy Harris
1945
Composed first piano sonata
1947
Moved to Washington, D.C., and joined the staff at the Institute of
Contemporary Arts
1950
Composed
Mass
for SATB chorus with organ accompaniment
1951
Moved to New York City to study with Vincent Ludwig Persichetti at The
Juilliard School of Music
1952
Returned to Washington, D.C., and became assistant literary editor at
New Republic
1952
1970
Composed a series of five piano sonatas
1954
Composed
Variations for clarinet and orchestra
Promoted to book and arts editor for
New Republic
1960
Inspired by text from Mark Twain, composed
The five boons of life
for soprano, baritone voice, and harpsichord
1963
Composed
Anniversary concerto 75
for large orchestra
1964
1965
Served as contributing critic for the Washington, D.C., newspaper
Evening Star
1968
Became book and arts editor at the
Atlantic Monthly
and moved to New York City
Composed
Mary Dyer
for violin, cello, and piano
1970
Returned to Washington, D.C., to serve as book editor of the
Washington Star-News
1972
1973
Series of concerts performed at various venues in Washington, D.C., to
celebrate Evett's fiftieth birthday. Participating ensembles included Madison
Madrigal Singers and the National Gallery Orchestra
1974
Commissioned by the National Symphony to create a work to honor the United
States Bicentennial
1975, February 3
Died at home in Takoma Park, Maryland
Scope and Content Note
Though the collection spans from 1942 to 2001, the majority of materials in the Robert
Evett Collection were created by Evett between 1950 and his death in 1975. Organized in
six series, the collection contains scores, sketches, drafts, clippings, correspondence,
published articles, ephemera, and other materials documenting Evett's life and career.
Musicis the largest series and consists of full scores,
parts, and sketches of compositions by Evett. The majority of the materials are ozalid
reproductions of holographs, but a few are drafts in pencil or printed music.
Compositions include pieces created for chorus, piano, small ensembles, and orchestra.
Biographical Materials contains information about
Evett's life, such as college transcripts, clippings, and various brief biographical
notes. The bulk of this material was collected by Evett's family in preparation for a
biography on the composer.
Letters, cards, and notes, both by and to Evett, are found in Correspondence. Correspondents include writers Elizabeth Bishop and Robert
Graves, choreographer Ethel Butler, and fellow composers Karel Husa, Antal Dorati, and
Robert Parris. Performances of Evett's compositions are documented in a Programs and Poster series that contains ephemera chiefly
dating from Evett's lifetime.Subject Files contains
clippings, correspondence, notes, and reports organized around specific subjects related
to Evett's life and professional work. Published articles, edited drafts, and notes on
compositions by Evett are included in Writings. Also
found in this series is a partial libretto for
Here's Hosanna
and inter-office communications from Evett concerning articles prepared for
publication.
Arrangement
The Robert Evett Collection is organized in six series:
-
[Music, 1943-1975](RE01)
-
[Biographical Materials,
1942-1987](RE02)
-
[Correspondence, 1952-1975](RE03)
-
[Programs and Poster,
1942-1983](RE04)
-
[Subject Files, 1943-2001 ](RE05)
-
[Writings, 1958-1975](RE06)
Container List
1-3, 9
Music, 1943-1975
1943-1975
Full scores, parts, and sketches of compositions by Evett. The majority of the
materials are ozalid reproductions of holographs, but a few are drafts in pencil
or printed music. Compositions include pieces created for chorus, piano, small
ensembles, and orchestra. Several works in the collection were written for
specific religious services held leading up to Easter. Only one piece is this
series is not by Evett: "My papa's waltz" by Steven Gerber is dedicated to Evett's
memory after his death.
Music is organized alphabetically by composition title.
1/1
Adagio, 1972
1972
Scores for harpsichord (2)
Note: Originally for orchestra; transcribed for
harpsichord
1/2
Alma redemptoris mater; Regina
caeli; Salve regina; Ave regina caelorum, undated
undated
Score for SATB chorus
1/3
Anniversary concerto 75. Prelude,
1963
1963
Cello part (incomplete)
1/4
Asperges me, 1950-1951
1950-1951
Score for piano
Note: Transparency in reverse
1/5
Chaconne, 1950
1950
Score for piano
1/6
Chapter and hymn,
undated
undated
Score for tenor and bass voices/SATB chorus and
organ
Texts: Proverbs 31: 10-11; Fortem virili
pectore
9/1
Concertino, 1952
1952
Full scores (2)
1/7
Credo; Sanctus; Benedictus,
undated
undated
Score for SATB chorus and organ
9/2
The exile, 1973
1973
Scores for tenor solo, TB chorus, and guitar
(2)
Note: Dedicated to Paul Hume and the Georgetown
Glee Club
1/8
Easter Sunday: Gradual, Alleluia,
and Sequence, undated
undated
Score for unison chorus and organ
9/3
The five boons of life, 1960
1960
Text adapted from Mark Twain
Score for soprano, baritone, bass (narrator), and
keyboard instrument
1/9
Hymn: Fortem virili pectore,
undated
undated
Score for SATB chorus, trumpet, tubular bells, and
strings
1/10
Hymn: Jesu redemptor omnium,
undated
undated
Scores for tenor, bass chorus, and rehearsal
accompaniment (3)
1/11
Hymn: Lucis creator optime, 1971
1971
Score for TTBB chorus; sketch
1/12
If music be the food of love,
1948
1948
By Henry Purcell; figured bass realized by
Evett
Score for voice and keyboard instrument
1/13
Mary Dyer, 1968
1968
Score for violin, cello, and piano;
parts
1/14
The mask of Cain, 1953
1953
Printed score for SATB chorus
9/4
Mass, 1950
1950
Score for unison chorus, descant, and
organ
1/15
Minuet for Mary, 1957
1957
Scores for piano (3)
9/5
Miscellaneous cello parts,
undated
undated
1/16
Miscellaneous songs,
undated
undated
Sketches
1/17
My papa's waltz and other songs,
1974-1975
1974-1975
By Steven Gerber
Piano-vocal score
Note: Dedicated to Evett
1/18
Nunc dimmittis, 1966
1966
Score for SATB chorus
1/19
Prelude and fugue, 1943
1943
Violin parts
1/20
Prelude, interlude, and fugue,
1947
1947
Violin, viola, and cello parts
9/6
Psalm 133, undated
undated
Scores for SATB chorus and continuo (2)
9/7
Psalm 150; Chapter and hymn,
undated
undated
Scores for TTBB chorus and keyboard instrument
(3)
1/21
The return, 1950
1950
Text by Pauline Hansen
Piano-vocal scores
Note: Two versions
1/22
Rondo, 1951
1951
Score for recorder/treble instrument and keyboard
instrument
Note: For Russell Woolen
9/8
Rondo, undated
undated
Scores for violin, viola, and cello (2)
1/23
Second piano sonata, 1957
1957
Printed score
2/1
Second Sunday in Lent: Gradual and
tract, undated
undated
Text: Psalm 24:17-18
Score for unison tenor/bass voices and
organ
Note: Tract not present
2/2
Second Sunday in Lent: Gradual and
tract, undated
undated
Texts: Psalm 24:17-18; Psalm 105:1-4
Score for unison tenor/bass voices and
organ
2/3
Seeker, undated
undated
Text by Marcella Miller Du Pont
Scores for SATB chorus (2)
9/9
Sonata for piano, 1945
1945
Scores (3)
2/4
Sonata no. 3 for piano, 1954
1954
Scores (2)
2/5
Sonata no. 4 for piano, 1955
1955
Scores (2)
2/6
Sonata no. 5 for piano, 1967
1967
Score
9/10
Sonata no. 6 for piano, 1970
1970
Scores (2)
Note: In memory of Harry McClure
9/11
Sonata for cello and cembalo,
1955
1955
Scores (2); cello part
2/7
Surely it is not I, Lord, 1971
1971
Text: Matthew 26:22
Score for unspecified voice(s)
2/8
Terce: for the third Sunday after
Pentecost, 1972
1972
Scores for cantor and SATB chorus (2)
Note: In honor of Miss Elmira Bier
2/9
Time being, undated
undated
Text by W. H. Auden
Scores for SATB chorus (2)
2/10
Toccata and 2 fugues for 2 pianos,
1951
1951
Score
2/11
Trio, circa 1946
circa 1946
Score for unspecified instruments
2/12
Trio, 1949
1949
Scores for violin, viola, and cello (2)
2/13
Two cadenzas for Mozart's piano
concerto in E-flat, K482, 1971
1971
Score
Note: For Evelyn Swarthout Hayes
9/12
Variations for clarinet and
orchestra, 1954
1954
Full score
3/1
Variations for clarinet and
orchestra, 1954
1954
Violin parts
3/2
Variations for clarinet and
orchestra, 1954
1954
Viola, cello, and double bass parts
3/3
What an attractive thing is
judgment, 1971
1971
Text: Ecclesiastes 25:4-6
Scores for chorus (2) (one is
incomplete)
3/4
Unidentified, undated
undated
Sketches of work for violin solo
3/5
Unidentified, undated
undated
Chiefly sketches of work for violin, cello, and
harpsichord
3/6
Unidentified, undated
undated
Score for cantor, clarinet, violin, and organ (pp.
15-23 only)
3/7
Unidentified, undated
undated
Scores for piano and piano-vocal scores
Note: Possibly fragments of a ballet?
4-5
Biographical Materials, 1942-1987
1942-1987
Information about Evett's life such as college transcripts, clippings, and various
brief biographical notes. The majority of this material was collected by Evett's
brother Kenneth and Kenneth's son David in preparation for a biography on the
composer. Interviews with Evett's colleagues and friends found in this series were
conducted by Kenneth or David for possible inclusion in such a book.
Arranged alphabetically by format.
4/1
Address book, undated
undated
4/2
Biographies, undated
undated
4/3-6
Clippings, 1942-1946, 1951-1970, 1983, and
undated
1942-1946, 1951-1970, 1983,
and undated
4/7
College transcripts, 1943, 1951
1943, 1951
4/8
Death certificate, 1975
1975
3/8
Drawing, circa 1970
circa 1970
4/9
Estate information,
1968-1980 and undated
1968-1980 and undated
4/10
Eulogy, obituary, and condolences,
1963, 1975, 1983, and
undated
1963, 1975, 1983, and
undated
4/11-12
Interviews: miscellaneous, 1983-1984 and undated
1983-1984 and
undated
4/13
Interviews: Parris, Robert, 1983-1984
1983-1984
4/14
Interview template and notebooks,
1983-1987 and undated
1983-1987 and
undated
5/1
Music catalogs, 1964
1964
5/2
Photographs, 1968 and undated
1968 and undated
3/9
Scrapbook, 1972
1972
5
Correspondence, 1952-1975
1952-1975
Letters, cards, and notes both by and to Evett. Some of Evett's correspondents
include the writers Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Graves, choreographer Ethel
Butler, and fellow composers Karel Husa, Antal Dorati, and Robert Parris. A folder
from Evett contains carbon copies of letters sent, often paired with the original
correspondence. Aside from material sent by Evett, the largest body of
correspondence in this series is from his former secretary, Holly Troxel
Arranged alphabetically by last name of author.
5/3
Bales, Richard, 1961, 1968, 1974
1961, 1968, 1974
5/4
Berkofsky, Martin, 1974
1974
5/5
Bishop, Elizabeth, 1956-1957
1956-1957
5/6
Butler, Ethel, 1967
1967
5/7
De Schweinitz, Karl, 1973
1973
5/8
Dello Joio, Norman, 1970
1970
5/9
Dorati, Antal, 1973
1973
5/10
Du Pont, Marcella Miller, 1957 and undated
1957 and undated
5/11
Evett, Robert, 1958, 1963-1970, and undated
1958, 1963-1970, and
undated
5/12
Gerber, Steven, 1974 and undated
1974 and undated
5/13
Graves, Robert, 1956
1956
5/14
Husa, Karel, 1962-1968
1962-1968
5/15
Makris, Andreas, 1974
1974
5/16
Manning, Robert, 1969-1973
1969-1973
5/17-20
Miscellaneous correspondents,
1952-1970s
1952-1970s
5/21
Oates, Joyce Carol, 1973
1973
5/22
Parris, Robert,
undated
undated
5/23
Rorem, Ned, undated
undated
5/24
Rubin, Louis D., Jr. (Louis
Decimus), 1972
1972
5/25
Troxel, Holly, 1968, 1974-1975
1968, 1974-1975
6
6
Programs and Poster, 1942-1983
1942-1983
Ephemera documenting performances of Evett's musical compositions.
Arranged chronologically.
6/15
Poster, 1966
1966
Madison Madrigal Singers performance and program in
Florence, Italy
6/1-6
Programs, 1942-1983
1942-1983
6
Subject Files, 1943-2001
1943-2001
Clippings, correspondence, notes, and reports organized around specific subjects
related to Evett's life and professional work. In some instances, material appears
to have been organized by Evett's brother Kenneth and his nephew David such as the
file on Amy Antonelli, a scholar researching Evett for her dissertation.
Arranged alphabetically by individual or organization.
6/7
American Composers Alliance, 1957-1988
1957-1988
Contract, correspondence, and newsletter
6/8
Antonelli, Amy, 1983-1989
1983-1989
Correspondence and notes
6/9
Auden, W. H., 1959, 1967-1971, and undated
1959, 1967-1971, and
undated
Clippings
6/10
Commissions and contracts, 1950-1974 and undated
1950-1974 and
undated
6/11
Ellison, Constance, 1972-1974
1972-1974
Clipping and contract
6/12
Evett, David, 1976, 1987, and undated
1976, 1987, and
undated
Correspondence
6/13
Evett family members, 1959, 1965-1974, and undated
1959, 1965-1974, and
undated
Clippings and court report
6/14
Evett, Kenneth, 1962-2001 and undated
1962-2001 and
undated
Clippings and correspondence
6/15
Forum for professionals and
executives, 1971
1971
Meeting minutes
6/16
Harris, Roy, 1946-1948, 1984, and undated
1946-1948, 1984, and
undated
Clippings and correspondence
6/17
Institute of Contemporary Arts,
1953-1965, 1984
1953-1965, 1984
Clippings, notes, and pamphlets
6/18
Monadnock letters, 1973-1976 and undated
1973-1976 and
undated
Correspondence and notes on a cantata
6/19
Pulitzer prize, 1964
1964
Nomination packet
6/20
Robert Evett Foundation, 1975
1975
Correspondence
6/21
Telluride files, 1943-1944, 1960, 1974-1975, and
undated
1943-1944, 1960, 1974-1975,
and undated
Clippings, correspondence, and directory
6/22
World Library Publications, Inc.,
1966-1967
1966-1967
Correspondence
7-8
Writings, 1958-1975
1958-1975
Published articles, edited drafts, and notes on compositions by Evett. Also found
in this series is a partial libretto for
Here's Hosanna
and inter-office communications from Evett concerning articles prepared
for publication. Four folders organized under "The food of love" contain Ehis
published articles on specific composers which were possibly intended as the basis
for a book. A folder of poems and lyric sheets holds several pages of writing by
unidentified authors. Other than the material in this folder, Evett is identified
as the primary author of all other writing in this series.
Arranged alphabetically by publication title or subject.
7/1
Anniversary concerto 75,
correction log, undated
undated
Notebook
7/2
Atlantic monthly (articles), 1969-1971
1969-1971
7/3
Biographical articles,
undated
undated
7/4-5
Drafts, 1958, 1970, and undated ,
1970
1958, 1970, and
undated
1970
7/6
Editing, undated
undated
7/7
Editorial proposal, 1964
1964
7/8-11
The food of love (articles), 1969-1971 and undated
1969-1971 and
undated
7/12
Here's Hosanna (libretto), undated
undated
Incomplete
7/13
Inter-office memos, 1968-1969
1968-1969
7/14
Miscellaneous articles,
undated
undated
Clipping and notebook
8/1
New Republic (articles), 1952-1958, 1965-1970
1952-1958,
1965-1970
8/2
Poems and lyric sheets, 1957, 1963-1966, and undated
1957, 1963-1966, and
undated
8/3
Trash (article),
undated
undated
8/4
Washington star-news (articles), 1964-1975 and undated
1964-1975 and
undated