Music Library News

Archival Recordings Featured on New CD

New World records has released a three-CD set of music by Julius Eastman (1940-1990), a composer, pianist, and singer whose experimental and minimalist compositions have never before been available on a commercial recording. For this project, New World contacted the NU Music Library in hopes that the library had recordings of performances from Eastman's visit to the School of Music during January 1980. Three open-reel tapes of Eastman's music were found in the Music Library's collection of School of Music performances, and, following extensive restoration, these recordings became a substantial part of New World's effort to document and shed light on this composer's largely forgotten contribution to contemporary music.

In addition to the Music Library's part in providing archival sources for this project, this recording also is notable for including NU alumnus and longtime Music Library staff member Frank Ferko among the performers.

The Music Library is very pleased to have contributed to this important project. See New World's web site for additional information.

DRAM Now Available

The Music Library has established a subscription to the Database of Recorded American Music (DRAM), a service developed by New World Records that provides streaming-audio recordings of historical and contemporary American music.

DRAM includes recordings issued by New World as well as recordings of American music from eight other labels: CRI, Albany, Innova, Cedille, Pogus, Deep Listening, Experimental Intermedia (XI), and Mutable Music. To access DRAM, see the Music Library's web site under the heading "Online Music Collections."

DRAM is accessible from anywhere on campus. Off-campus access requires authentication via the university's Virtual Private Network (VPN). To configure your computer, see the instructions for off-campus access using VPN.

Introducing Music Library News

Music Library News is the online newsletter of the Northwestern University Music Library. This site will be updated regularly with announcements about notable acquisitions, new services, and other information relevant to the students, faculty, and visiting researchers the Music Library serves.