MORROW, Michael (1929-1994) and Musica Reservata

Identity Statement

Reference code(s)	: GB 0100 KCLCA K/PP93
Held at	: King's College London College Archives   Click here to find out how to view this collection at http://www.kcl.ac.uk/library/archivespec/ ›
Full title	: MORROW, Michael (1929-1994) and Musica Reservata
Date(s)	: 1960-1992
Level of description	: Collection (fonds)
Extent	: 11 boxes
Name of creator(s)	: Morrow | Norman Michael MacNamara | 1929-1994 | musicologist

Context

Administrative/Biographical history:

Musica Reservata is a musical ensemble established in London in 1960 by Michael Morrow, John Beckett and John Sothcott, and of which Michael Morrow became the creative director. The group was set up with the intention of rediscovering and reinterpreting mainly Renaissance and Baroque music, and since its inception has given recitals throughout the world, undertaken broadcasts and given numerous recorded performances. Musica Reservata is still active in popularising medieval and early modern music. Michael Morrow was responsible for a number of important arrangements and has edited works including Dance music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance (London, 1976). He died in 1994.

Content

Scope and content/abstract:

The records of Musica Reservata comprise original notes, company minutes, correspondence, lyrics and programmes, 1960-1992, notably including manuscript and typescript notes and proofs compiled by Michael Morrow describing the development of Renaissance music for talks, lectures and his published works, [1960-1985]; minutes of the company Council, 1972-1978; company reports, 1972-1974; rehearsal notes, itineraries and tour plans, 1972-1974; correspondence with Michael Morrow and others, mainly concerning the organisation of concerts including fees, 1960-1981; assorted manuscript and typescript lyrics of early modern music, [1960-1980]; programmes and leaflets advertising Musica Reservata performances, 1960-1989; press cuttings on early music, including reviews, 1971-1989.

Access & Use

Language/scripts of material:
English

System of arrangement:

Arranged into the main series outlined above in the Scope and Content section.

Conditions governing access:

Open, subject to the signature of a reader's undertaking form.

Conditions governing reproduction:

Copies, subject to the condition of the original, may be supplied for research use only. Requests to publish original material should be submitted to the Director of Archive Services.

Finding aids:

A brief list of contents is available for consultation in the King's College London Archives Reading Room.

Archival Information

Archival history:

Immediate source of acquisition:

The papers were transferred to King's in August 1998.

Allied Materials

Related material:

The Royal Academy of Music Library Special Collections: Michael Morrow papers, comprising Morrow's own compositions and music for Musica Reservata that complement the administrative material located at King's College London.

National Register of Archives: Click here to view NRA record

Publication note:

Description Notes

Archivist's note:
Entry compiled by Geoff Browell.

Rules or conventions:
Compiled in compliance with General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.

Date(s) of descriptions:
April 2002