Finding Aid for Walden String Quartet Administrative Records, 1945-1975 | The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

Title: Walden String Quartet Administrative Records, 1945-1975

ID: 12/5/50

Primary Creator: Walden String Quartet (Urbana, Ill) (1934-1975)

Extent: 0.5 cubic feet

Arrangement: Financial records and correspondence are arranged chronologically and repertoire index is alphabetical by composer.

Date Acquired: 05/29/2009

Subjects: Instrumental music, Music, School of, Musical Repertoires, Music business, Quartets, violin (2), viola, cello, Stringed Instruments, Walden Quartet

Formats/Genres: Financial Records

Languages: English

Contains financial records, tax returns, account ledgers, programs, performance repertoire index, and correspondence documenting the management of the University of Illinois' Walden String Quartet between 1945 and 1975, as well as an LP recording String Quartet #2 by William Bergsma and Triptych for soprano and string quartet, by Arthur Shepherd (sung by Marie Kraft).

The Walden String Quartet was founded in 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio by the violinists, Homer C. Schmitt (1911-80) and Bernard M. Goodman (b 1914); cellist Robert H. Swenson (b 1910); and the viola player LeRoy Collins.  All of the original members played in the Cleveland Orchestra. The quartet was based initially in Cleveland, then moved to Cornell University (1946-7), and eventually established its residency at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign beginning in 1947. The group replaced their violist five times until John C. Garvey (b 1921-2006) became the viola player in 1948. The following year, the group was selected by the US War Department to tour Austria and Germany. At the behest of University of Illinois School of Music Director John Kuypers, the ensemble served as the first chair seats of the University Orchestra beginning in 1949. However, given the Quartet's rigorous tour schedule and due to the ousting of Kuypers as director, this role only lasted until 1950.  Known for their performances of modernist music, the group premiered Elliot Carter's String Quartet No. 1 in 1953 and were one of the first American ensembles to record and actively perform Charles Ives' String Quartet No. 2. Due to Garvey's increased interest in jazz and other members of the ensemble retiring, the group disbanded in 1975.

Instrumental music
Music, School of
Musical Repertoires
Music business
Quartets, violin (2), viola, cello
Stringed Instruments
Walden Quartet

Repository: The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

Acquisition Source: Unidentified

Acquisition Method: Transfer from Bernard Goodman.