Archival Collections
Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Manuscripts, 1917-1962. 

Creator: 
Margetson, Edward, 1891-1962.
Phys. Desc: 
1 linear ft (ca. 135 items in 2 boxes)
Call Number: 
Ms Coll\Margetson
Location: 
Rare Book & Manuscript Library
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Online information

Biographical Note

Black composer and conductor; church organist; choral music specialist; choirmaster. Born in St. Kitts, British West Indies, Margetson came to the Unites States in 1919 and soon became organist and choirmaster of the church of the Crucifixion in Harlem where Dr. Egerton E. Hall was rector. In 1927 he founded the Schubert Music Society "to quietly work through it among his people."

Scope and Contents

Manuscripts of musical scores, memorabilia and photograph. Folder 1 of the collection includes a general index (d. March 1945), photograph, awards, 5 citations, and a biographical sketch. His musical compositions (folders 2-26) are divided in three major categories: sacred and non-sacred vocal music, and musical compositions for instruments. His sacred choruses for mixed voices has been highly praised. His non-sacred vocal music seems to deal with children, nature, and poetic topics; also included are arrangements of Stephen Foster's songs for choruses. Among his musical compositions for instruments are some with Caribbean or West Indian themes.