Research Catalog

Title

Alexander Chesnokov papers, 1899-1962.

Author

Chesnokov, A. G. (Alexander Grigorʹevich), 1880-1941.

Supplementary Content

Finding Aid

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

8.5 linear feet (10 boxes)

Summary

The Alexander Chesnokov papers consist primarily of published and unpublished vocal, piano and orchestral music scores.

Subjects

• Composers > Russia
• Scores
• Chesnokov, A. G (Alexander Grigorʹevich), 1880-1941
• Orchestra music > Russia
• Choral music > Russia
• Church music > Russia

Genre/Form

Scores.

Additional Formats (note)

• Available in microfilm as part of Alexander Chesnokov papers collection;
• Available in microfilm as part of Alexander Chesnokov papers collection;
• Available in microfilm as part of the Alexander Chesnokov papers collection;

Reproduction (note)

• Microfilm.

Biography (note)

• Russian composer, Alexander Chesnokov (1880-1941), like his more famous brother, Pavel Chesnokov, specialized in church and choral music; ultimately, however, Alexander chose to emigrate after the 1917 revolution, which, by weakening the Russian Orthodox Church, had closed off one of his main sources of commissions.

Language (note)

• The Subject files series contains material in Czech, English, French, and Russian.

Indexes/Finding Aids (note)

• Collection guide available in repository and on internet.

Processing Action (note)

• Microfilmed;
• Will microfilm;

Call Number

JOB 06-2

OCLC

NYPG06-A48

Author

Chesnokov, A. G. (Alexander Grigorʹevich), 1880-1941.

Title

Alexander Chesnokov papers, 1899-1962.

Additional Formats

Gloria, Vocal score (box 3, f. 8); Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Piano-vocal score (box 3, f. 26); Requiem, Vocal score- sketches (box 4, f. 15); Silence, Choir and solo voices SAT (box 4, f. 32); Symphony, Orchestral score (box 10, f. 2) Available in microfilm as part of Alexander Chesnokov papers collection; service copy classmark: *ZB-4357.

Unpublished vocal scores (selections from boxes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7) and lists of the Russian Church music works (box 9, f. 2) Available in microfilm as part of Alexander Chesnokov papers collection; service copy classmark: *ZB-4362.

Unpublished vocal music, piano-vocal scores, sketches (selections from boxes 1-6) Available in microfilm as part of the Alexander Chesnokov papers collection; service copy classmark: *ZB-4375

Reproduction

Microfilm. New York : New York Public Library, 2009. 1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm. (MN *ZZ-41215)

Microfilm. New York : New York Public Library, 2009. 1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm. (MN *ZZ-41227)

Biography

Russian composer, Alexander Chesnokov (1880-1941), like his more famous brother, Pavel Chesnokov, specialized in church and choral music; ultimately, however, Alexander chose to emigrate after the 1917 revolution, which, by weakening the Russian Orthodox Church, had closed off one of his main sources of commissions. Chesnokov received his early musical training at the Moscow Synodal School. Having composed his first major work in 1899, he continued his musical studies at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where he remained through 1906. A prolific choir composer, Chesnokov had been a rising star of church music, but following the revolution, he was forced to make ends meet by teaching or conducting state choirs and orchestras. In 1923 he emigrated to Prague, before settling in Paris with its large Russian émigré community. Chesnokov lectured in the Russian Conservatory and taught church singing in the St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris, but, hard pressed for money, he also arranged or wrote light music pieces, sometimes employing the pseudonyms, Al. Daleau or Al. Tchayss. Chesnokov worked on his own more serious compositions during his spare time, including the Requiem of the Mystery of Death, or, The Russian Requiem, which honored graduates of the St. Petersburg Conservatory. Very little of what he wrote during that difficult period has been preserved, but he did manage to send a copy of the completed Requiem to his brother in Moscow. That work received a posthumous performance in the Russian capitol during the 1990s. Alexander Chesnokov remained in France until his death and is buried near Paris.

Language

The Subject files series contains material in Czech, English, French, and Russian.

Indexes

Collection guide available in repository and on internet.

Connect to:

Request Access to Music & Recorded Sound Division Special Collections material

Finding Aid

Occupation

Composers.

Research Call Number

JOB 06-2

*ZB-4357 [Microfilm]

*ZB-4362 [Microfilm]

*ZB-4375 [Microfilm]