MS Mus. 1778/4/5

(1). ‘Book of Magic’. A4 squared notebook containing randomly-generated numbers and assorted sketches. Heavily worn, as it was used as a frequent source of reference for the composer. Front cover reads 'BOOK OF MAGIC - BEWARE!'. Inside annotation by HB reads: 'This notebook came from Bryn Mawr USA. The printed computer random numbers were given to me by my childhood friend Peter Lee when I lived in Ansty Co[o]mbe circa 1960'.- Leaves marked throughout book (not consistently) with rhythmic workings, handwritten number charts and permutations, and assorted miscellaneous jottings. Also includes:

• loose leaves with further jottings.
• photocopy of Schoenberg's Sechs kleine Klavierstücke, Op. 19/6
• 5 typed pages of randomly-generated numbers, glued into the back of the book. Arranged into 30 columns of 5x10 numbers per page [150 sets in total]. These were used extensively to generate compositional material over several decades. Many of the number sequences are annotated in pencil.

(2). A5 squared notebook with tartan cover, containing assorted unidentified sketches. Includes instrumentation diagrams, pitch and rhythmic workings, line drawings (perhaps for structural planning), numerical grids. One leaf contains the word 'LUNEGARD' written twice, outlining a numerical system. Also includes 4 leaves of handwritten responses to interview questions from Bálint András Varga (for Three questions for sixty-five composers, in which the interview is dated '1983/5'). Responses are for Part 1 and the first question of Part 2, and are largely unchanged in print. Pencil annotations.

(3). A5 plain notebook with brown cover (‘cahier de dessin’), with pencil title ‘CHORD PATTERNS’. Signed 'HB 1979'. 3 folios contain unidentified sketches, including numerical workings.

(4). A5 manuscript notebook with pink cover (‘cahier de musique’). 4 folios contain unidentified pitch sketches, with some rhythmic working.

(5). Two small manuscript notebooks with blue covers; total of 18 folios, containing unidentified sketches of melody, pitch, rhythm and structure. They appear to date from a similar time to (4).

(6). Loose leaves, originally found in the ‘Book of Magic’, comprising various notes and copies detailing instrumental techniques, by various authors:-

• Alto saxophone ranges by John Harle.
• Timpani ranges.
• 5-page guide to the cimbalom.
• 3 pages of heavily annotated clarinet ranges and fingering charts (not in Birtwistle's hand).
• Guide to the classical accordion guide by James Crabb, and Melody-Bass Keyboard notes, sent to HB by Ross Lorraine, July 1998.
• A3 page titled 'For Harry - Oboe Colours'
• Piccolo Trumpet in B-flat 'tremolos by Elgar Howarth'
• Trombone glissandi (from 'DP' dated 1999).