MS Mus. 1747/2/1/1

Some miscellaneous notes followed by typescripts kept by Searle: some Searle’s own and some apparently originally institutional. Includes: MS Mus. 1747/2/2/1 contains some of Searle’s programme notes by Searle in published form. See also MS Mus. 1747/2/3/1 for other published writings by Searle.

Some overlap exists within the categories below:

1. Miscellaneous notes without context:

ff. 1-5. Typewritten synopsis of ‘A Game of Cards’ (‘Jeu de Cartes’) by Igor Stravinsky, with accompanying correspondence from Schott & Co., music publishers, the B.B.C. and the Théâtre and Ballets des Champs-Elysées, Paris. 16 Feb 1949-17 March 1949.

f. 6. Note entitled ‘Webern prog’, possibly ideas for a the programme of a concert.

f. 7. Untitled note relating perhaps to a new work, with reference to Alfreda Hodgson, Anthony Rolfe-Johnson, Michael Kaye, David Atherton and Harold Holt.

f. 8. Untitled note, possibly relating to the organisation of a concert in Cyprus.

f. 9. Untitled note of ideas relating to a work or commission, with sketch matching melody to Winchester College’s motto; probably therefore related to ‘A Winchester Overture’, op. 75, 1981f

f. 10-11. Two untitled lists of works by Leopold Spinner (1906-1980), one handwritten (not in Searle’s hand and very possibly in Spinner’s own); the other typescript.

2. Material relating to Searle’s music for ‘The Duchess of Malfi’, ballet, c 1960:

ff. 12-15. Summary of plot of ‘The Duchess of Malfi’ (John Webster).

f. 16. Searle’s handwritten notes on the plot by acts and scenes.

ff.17-25. Typescript of Act One, Scene One of ‘The Duchess of Malfi’.

3. Lists of Searle’s compositions:

ff. 26-31. Typescripts and photocopies of lists, by Searle and others, of his own work. (Supplemented by other lists left elsewhere in the collection to preserve context). See for instance under MS Mus. 1747/2/4/4. See also Add MS. 71824.

4. Biographical notes:

ff. 32-44. Brief biographical notes, one accompanied by further lists of scholarly works or compositions.

5. Programme notes for Searle’s own compositions or arrangements. Arranged by date where given or by opus number date:

ff. 45-46. 'Put Away the Flutes', 1947 and 'Three Songs of Jocelyn Brooke', followed by a typescript of the words set by Searle for the former, W.R. Rodgers’ poem 'Song for War', with missing print filled in in (possibly) Fiona Searle's hand.

f. 47. Two Practical Cats, 1953, originally inserted into copy of RCM Magazine for summer 1958, p. 41 (MS Mus. 1747/2/3/1/2.

f. 48. Suite for Piano, 1955.

f. 49. Symphony No. 2, 1956-58.

f. 50. Diary of a Madman, 1958.

f. 51. Symphony No. 3. 1960.

f. 52. Three Movements (here called 'Work') for String Quartet, with biographical note.

f. 53. Symphony no. 5. 1964. (See Add MS 71825, ff.68-82, for an earlier and longer draft).

ff. 54-55. Song of the Sun, op. 42 1966.

ff. 56. Oxus, 1967.

ff. 57-58. Labyrinth, 1971.

ff. 59-60. Searle’s note for his own arrangement of Berlioz’s 'Chant des Chemins de Fer' 'Skimbleshanks' and for British Rail’s 175th anniversary concert 1975.

ff. 61. Single sheet from Michael Ayrton’s 'A Question of Mirrors'.

6. Typescript articles or pieces by Searle. Typescripts of articles, mostly intended for printed publication in various journals. Mainly on specific contemporary public figures, musicians, institutions, reminiscences. Almost all undated.

Biographical notes: 'Michael Ayrton', 'Edward Joseph Dent', 'Constant Lambert', 'Priaulx Rainier', 'Dylan Thomas', 'Anton Webern', 'Some Reminiscences of Webern'.

Articles about music in general: 'What is this thing called 'Twelve-Note” music?' (Proof of article for ‘Music and Musicians’ magazine (issue unknown), with Searle’s corrections), Modern Music, 'Schoenberg and Music To-Day'.

Book reviews:' Music Ho!' by Constant Lambert (originally among scripts now under MS Mus. 1747/1/6), 'Experimental Music in Schools' by Brian Dennis.

Other articles: 'Cherwell', 'R.C.M.': the Royal College of Music (and John Ireland), Intelligence Corps Services, 'Schott's', music publishers, 'Report on a Visit to Hungary, 17 Nov 1969', marked 'Confidential', Vienna Musikvereinssaal, 'Intelligence Corps Services'.