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Charlie Barnet Collection of Big Band Arrangements, 1939-1949 [collection]

Title

Charlie Barnet Collection of Big Band Arrangements, 1939-1949 [collection]

Date Created

Span: 1939-1949

Language

English

Form

collection

Physical Description

18 ft.

38 boxes

Abstract

Charlie Barnet (1913-1991) was a saxophonist and bandleader. He formed several bands during the 1930s, and was one of the first white bandleaders to feature African-American musicians and to perform in both white and African-American venues. His primary band was formed in 1938, but in 1939 a fire destroyed the band's music library; this collection represents the arrangements from that post-fire period, including many of his signature titles, such as "Cherokee,” "I Hear a Rhapsody,” "Where Was I,” and "Skyliner”. Strongly influenced by the Duke Ellington orchestra, Barnet's band was among the musically more adventurous of the dance and swing bands, known for its jazz playing and "hard-swing riff numbers”.

Contents Note

Arrangements for approximately 660 songs and instrumentals for big band, mostly full scores or short scores, but 35 include parts, and 40 titles are represented by parts only.

Preferred Citation

Charlie Barnet Collection of Big Band Arrangements, Music Division, Library of Congress

Access Permissions

Researchers wishing to work with special collections are advised to inquire in advance about availability of material since many special collections are stored off-site.

Copyright

Certain restrictions to use or copying of materials may apply.

Subjects

Big Band Music

Arrangers (Musicians)

Conductors (Music)

Swing (Music)

Barnet, Charlie

Call Number

ML31.B27

Repository

Music Division, Library of Congress

Finding Aid

http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.music/eadmus.mu010031

Last Updated: 01-25-2011