Physical description:
2 drop front boxes containing 4 scrapbooks and one folder of loose items.
Biographical description:
Edward F. Brigham, of Riverside, Rhode Island, received his Graduate Certificate in piano and voice from NEC in October 1889. He went on to have a career as a singer and dramatic reader.
Provenance:
Unknown
Access
Access is arranged by making an appointment with the NEC Archivist. There are no restrictions pertaining to this collection.
Copyright
Please contact the NEC Archivist for publication permissions. Citation should read: NECA 18.5. Edward F. Brigham Papers, New England Conservatory Archives, Boston, MA.
Scope and Content Note:
The Edward F. Brigham Papers which date from 1881- ca.1910 consist of one folder containing loose items (perhaps from one of the scrapbooks?) and four scrapbooks. Both include clippings, letters, documents, programs, flyers and memorabilia relating to Edward Brigham’s days as a student at NEC, and his subsequent career as a singer and dramatic reader.
Container list:
Folder 1 - consists of clippings, letters, documents, programs, flyers and memorabilia. Of particular interest are a letter, circular, and an autographed photograph of Brigham’s teacher, Carl Faelten, then Director of NEC.
Scrapbook 1 – 1881-1886. Inscribed by Edward Brigham. This scrapbook contains news articles and programs regarding Boston and Providence musical performances of the time. There are some NEC recital programs included. One highlight is a program of a performance of Wagner’s Ring at Mechanics Hall. The scrapbook also features clippings about music and important musical personalities of the day.
Scrapbook 2 – 1887-1895. Features concert programs from NEC, Riverside Choral Society, Choral Society of the congregational church. Several programs also include Miss Alice R. Brigham (sister?). Brigham was teaching and conducting in Providence. Also contains materials pertaining to Star course; Suffolk Musicale; Lotus Glee Club; the YMCA etc.
Scrapbook 3 - 1884-? Subjects include: the BSO, Handel and Haydn Society, Hollis Theatre; Infantry Hall (Providence); Madame Adelina Patti; Joseph Hofmann; Sarah Bernhardt; Vladimir de Pachmann; Helen Hopekirk; Emma Juch; Eugen D’Albert; Bumstead Hall; Star Lecture Course; Arion club; Boston Music Hall; and Boston Theatre (opera productions).
Scrapbook 4 - 1891-1893. Subjects include: Boston Philharmonic orchestra; BSO; Infantry Hall’s Star Lecture Course, Arion Club; Boston Theatre; Boston Music Hall; Ignacy Jan Paderewski; Vladimir de Pachmann; Adelina Patti; Globe Theatre; Mechanics Building Auditorium; Arion Opera company; the Henschels; Anton Seidl; Lilian Durell; Handel and Haydn Society; and Helena Modjeska.