Collection 54-M

Mortimer Wilson Collection of Silent Film Music Compositions and Arrangements

Wilson was born on Aug. 6, 1876 in Chariton, IA; studied in Chicago with Jacobsohn, Gleason, and Middelschulte (1894-1900); taught theory at University School of Music in Lincoln, NE (1901-7); spent 3 years in Leipzig, Germany, studying with Sitt and Reger; was at the Atlanta Conservatory in 1911 and conducted the Symphony Orchestra; taught at Brenau College, Gainesville, GA (1916-18); was consulting editor for the National Academy of Music in NY; wrote The rhetoric of music (1907); composed 5 symphonies, chamber music, and many songs and piano pieces; wrote music for silent films produced by Douglas Fairbanks, including The thief of Bagdad (1924), Don Q., son of Zorro (1925), and The black pirate (1926); died on Jan. 27, 1932, in New York.

Collection consists predominantly of manuscripts, with some photocopies, sketches, and scores (short and full). Includes original compositions, transcriptions and arrangements created to accompany silent films, such as Don Q., son of Zorro, The thief of Bagdad, and The black pirate. Also includes some published music, miscellaneous material, and music for piano, organ, chamber groups, and orchestra.

For additional information about this collection consult:

Catalog record
Finding aid

Return to list of collections