Archive of William Sterndale Bennett acquired from the Sterndale Bennett family | Manuscripts and Archives at Oxford University

Details

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Description

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Title

Archive of William Sterndale Bennett acquired from the Sterndale Bennett family

Shelfmark

MSS. Sterndale Bennett 1-93

Summary

Archive of the composer William Sterndale Bennett previously with the Sterndale Bennett family, 1816-[2014], n.d.

Date

1816-[2014], n.d.

Language

English

Physical extent

2.2 Linear metres

93 boxes

Custodial history

The following custodial history was provided by Barry Sterndale-Bennett:

In the 19th century it was not uncommon for the effects of deceased persons to be placed in auction and bought back by the family as a means of determining probate values. William Sterndale Bennett (referred hereafter as Bennett or WSB) was a prolific collector of music albeit his library largely derived from gifts. Following his death in 1875 two important auctions took place in London, which attracted much attention. Approximately a quarter was sold to third parties. The remainder was inherited in roughly equal amounts by Bennett's children. Charles (1845-1923) the eldest son was not musically inclined and little is known of him. He emigrated to Holland where he died with no issue. However on Christmas eve 1878 he sold his portion to his younger brother James Robert (1847-1928), who played a crucial role in the development and upkeep of the library.

On the death of James Robert the material passed to his son Robert (1880-1963), who was for many years Director of Music at Uppingham School. His son Robin (1914-2006), a Naval Officer, did not want to assume the responsibility so it came to his son, Barry, in 1974 as next in line of the succeeding generation. Following the death of his wife at the end of 2005, he moved from Longparish and at that point decided to deposit the library in the Bodleian.

The remaining third passed to the composer's daughter, Elizabeth Donn Bennett (1848-1927), who married Professor Thomas Case of Oxford (1844-1925) in 1870. Their daughter married into the Odling family and this part of the collection until recently formed part of the estate of the late Tom and Hilary Odling. The collection came to the Bodleian under the 'Acceptance in Lieu' scheme and is catalogued separately.

Acquisition

Collection currently on deposit since 1 June 2006.

Subject

Sonatas (Cello and piano)

Concertos (Piano)

Part songs, English

Orchestral music

Piano music

String quartets

Composers -- Correspondence

Piano trios

Songs with piano

Composers -- England -- Manuscripts

Hymns, English

Anthems

Music -- Manuscripts -- 19th century

Music

Overtures

Anglican chants

Symphonies

19th century

Cantatas, Secular

Composers -- Diaries

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