contact
portfolios
search
Home

Search the Collection

To search, enter a word or phrase in a box below and select a field from the menu.  It is not necessary to use more than one box.
 see search tips in

in

 only display records that have digital media (images, audio, etc.)

 

Search Multiple Collections

Select a group of collections to search simultaneously. Search this collection together with others.

Example Composition

Example Composition View a completely digitized composition here.

Collection Size

Records: 363
Online Images/Media: 112

Access

This digital collection is open to the public.

To see the full-collection, or a specific item in detail, please visit the DSO Archives.

Browse Title | Composer | All

Project Info | Manuscript Comparisons | Meet a Copyist | Use Policy | Contact | Additional Resources

Collection Information

Copyists working in Philadelphia

Copyists transcribing musical scores in Philadelphia.
Photo National Archives and Records Service

WPA Music Manuscripts is a digitization project with the goal of bringing the unique holdings of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra online. These music manuscripts represent the unique work of music copyists--men and women employed by the government with the task of copying music for the WPA orchestras, bands and choruses to perform.

Read more about the WPA Music Manuscript project...

  • The full collection is housed in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's Archive, and consists of more than 300 compositions that include copied parts for both conductor's scores and individual instruments from the WPA.
  • While a significant portion of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's WPA Music Manuscript catalog is searchable in this database, only a select number of compositions were digitized and made available for viewing.
  • Each of these selected compositions has one scanned image that is representative of the work of the whole. Some compositions have no scanned image. In physical format, all compositions contain parts for each instrument and stand number. Only one composition has been entirely scanned and placed into this online collection, and can be viewed here.
  • To view the entirety of a composition, or a specific item in greater detail, please visit the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Archives by scheduling an appointment at 313-576-5081.