Nathan H. Allen papers

Collection

Identifier: WLM-2018-008

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains files of publications related to Classical history and the Middle Ages, as well as a collection of materials related to Sarah Bartley (1783-1850); a prominent British stage actress, including publications, tour schedules, copies of her death certificate, and broadsides from performances from the early 19th century. It also includes a large volume of correspondence from musicians, choir directors, and church figures interested in utilizing Allen’s musical compositions, primarily spanning the years between 1874-1915 at the height of his popularity. It further contains manuscripts and related documents, including musical scores, photographs, and print materials. The series of manuscripts contains the unpublished manuscript, Music in a New England State, 1630-1900 (1922), and the full orchestral score for the Apotheosis of St. Dorothy (1891). The collection also consists of scrapbooks containing programs with Allen or his students' recitals spanning 1870-1925.

Dates

Creation: 1867 - 1925

Creator

Allen, Nathan H. (Nathan Hale) (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to the public and must be used in the John M.K. Davis Reading Room of the Watkinson Library, Trinity College Library, Hartford, Connecticut. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws when using this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Digital surrogates may be provided in accordance with the duplication policy of the Watkinson Library.

Copyright resides with the creators of the documents or their heirs unless otherwise specified. It is the researcher's responsibility to secure permission to publish materials from the appropriate copyright holder.

Archival materials may contain sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal and/or state right to privacy laws or other regulations. While we make a good faith effort to identify and remove such materials, some may be missed during our processing. If a researcher finds sensitive personal information (e.g. social security numbers) in a collection, please bring it to the attention of the reading room staff.

Biographical / Historical

Nathan H. Allen (1848-1925) was born in Marion, Massachusetts and went on to become a prominent organist and composer. He studied in Berlin in 1867 under the well-recognized organist Haupt, returning to Hartford, Connecticut in 1870 where he would become a well-respected member of the city’s music circles, frequently performing at the Center Church. Allen composed numerous musical scores, including a choral work entitled The Apotheosis of St. Dorothy (1891), as well as penning an unpublished manuscript, Music in a New England State, 1630-1900. His works included twenty-six 4-part songs in German, seventeen songs for different voices, sacred pieces, quartettes, and anthems, as well as sixteen pieces for the organ.

Extent

14 Cubic Feet (42 flat boxes, 13 scrapbooks, 1 notebook)

Language of Materials

English

German

Additional Description

Abstract

Nathan H. Allen (1848-1925); a prominent organist and composer who composed The Apotheosis of St. Dorothy (1891), as well as over twenty-six 4-part songs, sacred pieces, quartettes, and anthems, as well as sixteen pieces for the organ. The bulk of the collection comprises correspondence, manuscripts, including musical pieces, photographic and print material, and notes on Sarah Bartley (1783-1850) for a short publication of the British stage actress.

Arrangement

The collection contains five series:

Series 1. Ancient History Files

Series 2. Bartley Notes

Series 3. Correspondence

Series 4. Manuscripts and Documents, including Musical Scores

Series 5. Visual and Print Materials

Series 2 is alphabetized by subject; Series 3 is alphabetized by correspondent; and Series 4 is alphabetized by manuscript title.

Includes two boxes of subject indexes (Boxes 41-42).