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Music manuscripts of William Adair Pickard-Cambridge

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Music manuscripts, chiefly of sacred music, with some printed items, 1910-1954, n.d. Many of the compositions were probably written for the chapels of Oxford colleges where W.A. Pickard-Cambridge was an organist (Manchester College, 1917–1919; Balliol College, 1917–1919, and Worcester College, 1919 and 1941–1945).

Dates

  • Creation: 1910-1954, n.d.

Extent

0.11 Linear metres (4 boxes)

Language of Materials

  • English
  • Latin

Preferred Citation

Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MS. Mus. c. 792].

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Full range of shelfmarks:

MSS. Mus. c. 793-795

Collection ID (for staff)

CMD ID 15740

Abstract

Music manuscripts of William Adair Pickard-Cambridge, 1910-1954, n.d.

Biographical / Historical

William Adair Pickard-Cambridge (1879-1957) was a composer, teacher and classical scholar. He was born in Dorset, England a son of the clergyman Rev. Octavius Pickard-Cambridge, a Victorian naturalist and world-renowned arachnologist. His cousin Frederick Octavius was also a well-regarded arachnologist while his brother, Sir Arthur Wallace Pickard-Cambridge is considered as one of the 20th century’s greatest authorities on the subject of Greek theatre.

William Adair was educated at Balliol and Hertford colleges, Oxford, later becoming a lecturer at these and other college in Oxford and London. He gained much respect for his translations of Aristotle and compositions of choral music, including motets, anthems and carols. Compiled by him A Collection of Dorset Carols includes, among others, his translation of 'Angelus ad Virginem' which he titled 'Gabriel to Mary came'. Further details of his life and work can be found in Who's Who.

Custodial History

The manuscripts in this collection were found at the composer's house by his family who deposited them at the Bodleian Library. Further music manuscripts and family documents are looked after by the Dorset History Centre in Dorchester. It is thought that many other manuscripts were destroyed during the London blitz in 1940.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Deposited by Helen P. Towell, 16 Apr 1994.

Title
Catalogue of the music manuscripts of William Adair Pickard-Cambridge, 1910-1954, n.d.
Status
Published
Author
Finding aid prepared by Margaret Czepiel
Date
2021
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository

Contact:
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom