Jewish Print Music Collection

The Jewish Print Music Collection dates from circa 1897-present and includes original manuscripts from renowned, non-living Jewish composers, handwritten music from American and European-born cantors, and rare—if not sole-surviving—scores from major American Jewish publishing houses no longer in existence. It also houses one of the nation’s largest collections of American Yiddish theater music, comprised of piano-vocal scores spanning the years 1890-1960. The collection also contains music from Europe, Israel, and Latin America. The repertoire includes scores for solo voice and choir (in various languages), solo instruments, chamber ensembles, and Klezmer combos. This music serves as historical documentation, offering insight into the immigrant experience, literature, poetry, languages, and ethnic plurality of the Jewish Diaspora. The elaborately illustrated sheet covers are examples of visual folk art from the period and offer additional cultural insight through imagery.

Jewish Print Music List

Jewish Print Music Finding Aid

Yiddish Language Music List