Scope and Content Note
The Oliver Daniel (1911-1990) Papers span the years 1759 to 1997 with the bulk of the materials dating from 1943 to 1985. The collection includes correspondence, clippings, printed and manuscript music, photographs, programs, scrapbooks, and periodicals. There is also a significant amount of materials relating to the eighteenth-century American composer William Billings that Daniel compiled for a planned publication on Billings' life and work. The collection is divided into three main series: Subject File, Photographs, and Music. The Subject File is further divided into the following subseries: Clippings, Correspondence, Materials related to Music Compositions, Periodicals, Promotional Materials, Programs, Scrapbooks, and Writings.
The Correspondence contains letters, memoranda, greeting cards, and telegrams that Daniel sent to or received from prominent individuals in the world of music, and music organizations, with whom Daniel collaborated throughout his career. Correspondents include such musical luminaries as Henry Cowell, Alan Hovhaness, Charles Ives, and Dimitri Mitropoulos; and music organizations Broadcast Music, Inc., Contemporary Music Society, and the International Music Council. Other notable correspondents include Charles Schulz, John D. Rockefeller, Robert F. Kennedy, and Gloria Vanderbilt. The Writings include drafts, articles, radio program schedules, interviews, performance reviews, and biographical materials about composers. A large group of research materials, including notes; articles on the Amish, Moravians and the Shakers; publications; copies of letters; a genealogy; and excerpts from early American periodicals, relate to Daniels research into the life and work of William Billings. These materials also include draft chapters for the book William Billings: 1746-1800, which was to have been published in 1971. The Promotional Materials include pamphlets, flyers, and booklets that advertise performances or provide information on composers or musicians. Popular and esoteric music and arts magazines, journals, newsletters, gazettes and bulletins comprise the Periodicals subseries. The two Scrapbooks on Henry Cowell contain clippings and reviews dating from 1923 to 1931. Clippings and Programs round out the subseries.
There are approximately 500 Photographs in the collection. Most are posed or candid shots taken at conferences, receptions, live performances, in recording studios, and in private residences. In addition, there are portraits, promotional stills, and random photographs of objects and landscapes.
The Music series contains printed, manuscript, hardbound, and photocopied scores and parts. The largest segment of this series is comprised of works by William Billings, Henry Cowell, Lou Harrison, Ulysses Kay, Wallingford Riegger, and José Serebrier. Numerous scores are inscribed with affectionate messages to Daniel.