RPS MS 1-271

MANUSCRIPT MUSIC FROM THE LIBRARY OF THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY

RPS MSS 1-271. The select portion of the manuscipts of the RPS was placed on loan in June 1914: see Catalogue of the Musical Manuscripts deposited on loan in the British Museum by the Royal Philharmonic Society, 1914; the remaining manuscripts were added to the loan in 1984. The whole collection was acquired by the British Library in 2002. It is listed here in a single sequence arranged first in alphabetical order by composer, then into categories (where appropriate) of symphonies, overtures, concertos, chamber music and vocal music. All MSS are in full score, unless stated otherwise. Dates of composition for autograph scores are given immediately following the title of the work. Otherwise dates are those when the copy was made; watermark dates are given where relevant. All watermark dates are taken from English papers; where there is clear evidence that a copy originated in another country this has been stated. Copies are English unless stated otherwise. The anonymous works listed at the end, identified by a motto in place of the composers' names, were submitted for composition prizes. A full catalogue is forthcoming. The official papers of the RPS (Loan 48) were also acquired by the British Library in 2002, and will be given new pressmarks in the sequence ‘RPS MS’ in due course; at present they retain their numbers in the sequence ‘Loan 48’. Purchased partly with the assistance of the Heritage Lottery Fund and partly with the assistance of numerous foundations and individuals, all of whom are listed on http://www.bl.uk/about/cooperation/philharmonicdonors.html.

Two hundred and seventy-one volumes.