As of July 2023, the platform that supports the finding aids for the Music Library's Special Collections is not readily available off campus, so we invite you to browse our special collections using this list or by searching them on the Wayback Machine. To learn more about or access a Music Special Collection, get in touch with Music Special Collections Librarian Maristella Feustle at Maristella.Feustle@unt.edu.

Berthe and Adolfo Odnoposoff Collection, 1925-2017

1925-2017

The collection consists of seven boxes of materials from pianist and former UNT College of Music faculty member Berthe Huberman Odnoposoff and her husband, cellist Adolfo Odnoposoff.

7.00 boxes/containers

Oklahoma / North Texas Composers Collection, 1921-1958

1921-1958

The collection consists of one box of music compositions by composers with connections to the University of Oklahoma, the University of North Texas, or both.

1.00 boxes/containers

Omega Productions Collection, 1974-2003

1974-2003

The collection consists of twelve boxes of reel-to-reel audio tapes, various video formats, digital audio tapes (DAT), and cassettes that chronicle live performances and other special events between 1974 and 2003. The performances and events took place primarily in Texas, but also in Nevada (Las Vegas and Reno), Orlando, Detroit, Nashville, Kansas City, Memphis, St. Louis, New Orleans, and Little Rock, among others.

Artists in this collection include Willie Nelson, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Soul Asylum, Lyle Lovett, Ben Vereen, Merle Haggard, Fats Domino, Johnny Cash, Ernest Tubb, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Billy Eckstine, Anne Murray, Tanya Tucker, and Chubby Checker. Also present are recordings from Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry's 70th birthday party, and the opening celebration of the 1994 World Cup.

The collection captures the intersection of national, local, and regional music history in Texas, and the role of a Texas organization in chronicling these events.

12.00 boxes/containers

Reinhard Oppel Collection, 1858-1935

1858-1935

The collection consists of about 19 boxes of materials related to the life and work of composer and music theorist Reinhard Oppel.

19.00 boxes/containers

Tim Owens Jazz and Broadcast Collection, circa 1973-2003

circa 1973-2003

The collection includes over 200 hours of interviews with major jazz artists, historians and others recorded for National Public Radio’s jazz programs including Jazz Profiles and Owens’ own interviews: over 250 hours of performance masters recorded primarily for NPR’s Jazz Alive! series, and other live jazz performances.  Also included are his radio show, photographs, videos, scripts and interview transcripts.

58.00 boxes/containers

Whit Ozier Test Record Pressings, 1940-1950

1940-1950

The collection consists of three boxes of 78 rpm test record pressings, primarily from Columbia Records. The Columbia items often have the name of employee John Ball on the label, as well as that of Paul Affelder; such labeling appears to correspond to tentative assignments for writing liner notes. Many discs are housed in the commercially produced containers made for the finished product, though many of the discs themselves are apparently unreleased alternate takes.

3.00 boxes/containers

Bill Park Collection, 1927-2000

1927-2000

The collection consists of nearly sixty boxes of materials related to various major opera singers, including Rosa Ponselle, Jeanette MacDonald, and Lily Pons, among others.

60.00 boxes/containers

Charles Paul Collection, Date unknown

Date unknown

The collection consists of four boxes of audio materials, and five boxes of papers, including compositions.

9.00 boxes/containers

Piano Roll Collection, 1903-1957

1903-1957

The collection consists of four boxes of player piano rolls from various publishers. The rolls are primarily of popular music, but include some classical music as well.

4.00 boxes/containers

Astor Piazzolla Arrangements, 1958

1958

The collection consists of one box, containing five arrangements by Astor Piazzolla of popular songs for Yolande Tornell.

From Schubertiade:

An important collection of previously unknown and unpublished works by the Argentine tango composer and bandoneón player who revolutionized the traditional tango into a new style termed 'nuevo tango', incorporating elements from jazz and classical music. These five sets of arrangements for voice and small band are in the hand of pianist and copyist Carlos Rausch, friend and frequent collaborator of the composer during his time in New York City, 1958-1960, each part signed by Rausch lower right and inscribed "Arranged by Astor Piazzolla for Yolanda Tornell," and with her ownership stamps on various pages.

1.00 boxes/containers

Andrew S. Pope Collection, 1830-1987

1830-1987

The collection consists of 17 boxes of framed photographs, lithographs, performance programs, autographs, letters, and other memorabilia from major international opera performers, with a particular emphasis on performers of the late nineteenth century.

17.00 boxes/containers

Gene Puerling Collection, 1949-2006

1949-2006

The collection consists of about 60 boxes of manuscripts of compositions and arrangements by Gene Puerling, an innovative vocal jazz arranger and leader of the Hi-Los and The Singers Unlimited vocal groups, along with sound recordings and memorabilia.

60.00 boxes/containers