William J. Palmer - Bound collection of sheet music by Isaac Nathan and others, ca.1820-ca.1854

MLMSS 6132/Box 1X

fonds

ca.1820 - ca.1854

Textual Records, Notated Music

113550

Microfilm : CY 3616, frames 1-301 (MLMSS 6132)

0.16 metres of textual material (1 outsize box)
Music - bound printed scores, some with manuscript annotations

William J. Palmer was a singing pupil of Isaac Nathan, for whose "extraordinary soprano voice" Nathan wrote two special arrangements: 'Angels ever bright and fair' from Handel's Theodora, and 'Lungi dal caro bene' by Giuseppi Sarti.
Palmer first appeared in a concert given by the St Mary's Choral Society, directed by Nathan, on 24 November 1851, singing Nathan's arrangement of 'Angels ever bright and fair'. Palmer performed for the Society again on 4 April 1853, singing Nathan's other arrangement, 'Lungi dal caro bene,' for the fee of three guineas. His skilful execution of the elaborately ornamented setting was received with acclamation and encored.
Nathan's arrangements, requiring a vocal range of two octaves, suggest that Palmer possessed great technical facility. However, his public career was short-lived, possibly because his voice did not break well.
This volume of sheet music was owned and compiled by Palmer. It comprises 14 pieces by Nathan and 34 pieces by other composers. A total of 9 pieces were published in Sydney. Two items by Nathan contain manuscript annotations which were probably written, or at least suggested, by the composer himself as Palmer's teacher. Three other pieces by Nathan were signed by the composer. Also of significance are the inscriptions to Palmer by the composers S.H. Marsh and Edwin Ransford on copies of their compositions.

Listed in order of binding:
[ca.1842?]; MARSH, S.H. Hail to Victoria! Queen of the ocean : the Australian National Anthem / words by S.H. Marsh? [London? : s.n.]. 1 score (7 p.). For voices in unison, chorus (SATB) & piano. Inscribed by the composer "... Palmer with the author's kind regards". (Call No.: pp.1-8 of vol.)
[1841]; NATHAN, Isaac. [Long live Victoria : a new national air] Long live the Queen / words by W.A. Duncan. [Sydney : F. Ellard, George Street]. 1 score (4 p.). For voice, chorus (SSATB) & piano. Lacking title page. (Call No.: pp.9-12 of vol.)
[182-?]; NATHAN, Isaac. Bright be the place of thy soul / poetry by Lord Byron. London : J. Fentum, 78, Strand. 1 score (5 p.). For voice & piano. With ms. annotations, probably by the composer. (Call No.: pp.13-20 of vol.)
[1836?]; NATHAN, Isaac. Queen of evening / poetry by Maurice Harcourt. London : Cramer, Addison & Beale, Regent Street. 1 score (4 p.). For voice & piano. One of the favoured ballads mentioned in the memoirs of Madame Malibran. With ms. annotations. (Call No.: pp.21-28 of vol.)
[1845-1851]; LOVER, Samuel. The four leaved shamrock : no.8 of The songs of the superstitions of Ireland / words by Samuel Lover. Sydney : Grocott Music Seller, George Street. 1 score (5 p.). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.29-36 of vol.)
[1851]; [Charles W. Glover]. The rich man's bride / by the author of "Will you love me then as now". Sydney : H. Marsh, 47, Hunter Street. 1 score (5 p.). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.37-44 of vol.)
n.d.; RUSSELL, Henry. The wife's dream : a ballad / words by I.R. ---. [S.l. : s.n.]. 1 score (6 p.). For voice & piano. With printed signature of composer. (Call No.: pp.45-50 of vol.)
[1852-4]; RAINER, J.C. (arranger). Ben Bolt! : as sung by M.W. White of Rainer's Minstrels. Sydney : H. Marsh & Co., 490 1/2, George Street. 1 score (4 p.). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.51-58 of vol.)
[182-?]; NATHAN, Isaac. My heart's fit to break / poetry by Lady Caroline Lamb. London : H. Falkner, 3, Old Bond Street. 1 score (4 p.). For voice & piano. Sung by Miss Hill at the nobility's private concerts. Signed by the composer. (Call No.: pp.59-62 of vol.)
[1845-1851]; BELLINI. Still so gently o'er me stealing. Published as part of A selection of English ballads by various authors. Sydney : Grocott, George Street. 1 score (7 p.). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.63-72 of vol.)
[1851]; BENEDICT, Jules. By the sad sea waves / words by J.L. Lambert. Sydney : J.T. Grocott, 486 George Street. 1 score (4 p.). For voice & piano. Sung by Miss Sara Flower on Friday evening, May 3, 1850. (Call No.: pp.73-78 of vol.)
n.d.; THOMAS, John. Is my lover on the sea / words by Barry Cornwall. London : T. Boosey & Co., 28, Holles Street. 1 score (7 p.). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.79-88 of vol.)
[ca.1845]; RANSFORD, Edwin. Beautiful sea! : ballad / words by J.E. Carpenter. London : E. Ransford, Charles Street, Soho Square. 1 score (5 p.). For voice & piano. Inscribed "Master Palmer with the author's kind regards". (Call No.: pp.89-96 of vol.)
n.d.; SMART, Henry. My own dear mountain home / words by G. Macfarren. London : J. Duff & Co., 65 Oxford Street. 1 score (4 p.). For voice & piano. Inscribed "W.J. Palmer from his affectionate father". With ms. annotations. (Call No.: pp.97-102 of vol.)
[182-?]; NATHAN, Isaac. Sir Henry de Vaux : song / words from Ada Reis [by Lady Caroline Lamb]. London : H. Falkner, 3 Old Bond Street. 1 score (5 p.). For voice & piano. Signed by the composer. (Call No.: pp.103-110 of vol.)
n.d.; SOLA, C.M. The rose gift : a ballad / written by G.E. Giffard. London : Duncombe & Moon, 17 Holborn Hill. 1 score (3 p.). For voice and piano. Sung by Mr Genge, Mr New and Mr C. Kenny. (Call No.: pp.111-114 of vol.)
[1836?]; NATHAN, Isaac. After many a well-fought day / poetry by Lady Caroline Lamb. London : Falkner, 3 Old Bond Street. 1 score (6 p.). For voice & piano. Signed by the composer. (Call No.: pp.115-124 of vol.)
n.d.; NATHAN, Isaac. The lady-bird / words by Isaac Nathan? London : H. Falkner, 3 Old Bond Street. 1 score (6 p.). For voice, orchestra & piano. (Call No.: pp.125-130 of vol.)
[1836?]; NATHAN, Isaac. Madame Malibran's farewell to America / words by Madame Malibran. London : Cramer, Addison and Beale, Regent Street. 1 score (4 p.). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.131-138 of vol.)
[183-?]; NATHAN, Isaac. Beauty's bower / poetry by H.J. Bradfield. London : Cramer, Addison & Beale, Regent Street. 1 score (7 p.). For voice, orchestra & piano. Dedicated to Mrs C. Bayly. (Call No.: pp.139-146 of vol.)
[ca.1836?]; NATHAN, Isaac. Tambourgi! Tambourgi! / poetry by Lord Byron. London : H. Falkner, 3 Old Bond Street. 1 score (7 p.). For voice & piano. Sung by Mr Braham at the oratorios, Theatre Royal Covent Garden. (Call No.: pp.147-154 of vol.)
[ca.1840]; NATHAN, Isaac. The nameless grave / written by Susanna Strickland. London : M.A. Fentum, 78 Strand. 1 score (4 p.). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.155-162 of vol.)
[1842]; NATHAN, Isaac. Mable Macmahon : an Australian melody / written by Mrs E.H. Dunlop. Sydney : Ada Cottage, Prince Street. 1 score (4 p). For voice & piano. Inscribed to Roger Therry, Attorney General. (Call No.: pp.163-166 of vol.)
n.d.; LING, J.R. Yes! The die is cast / melody by Colonel Pestal ; words by John Melton. London : H. Tolkien, 28 King William Street. 1 score (4 p.). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.167-172 of vol.)
n.d.; GLOVER, Stephen. Consider the lilies / words from the Holy Scriptures. London : C. Jefferys, 21 Soho Square. 1 score (6 p.). For voice & piano. Inscribed "W.J. Palmer from his affectionate Mamma". (Call No.: pp.173-180 of vol.)
n.d.; GLOVER, Stephen. Faith / written by Charles Jefferys. London : C. Jefferys, 21 Soho Square. 1 score (4 p.). (The Christian Graces ; no.1). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.181-186 of vol.)
n.d.; GLOVER, Stephen. Hope / written by Charles Jefferys. London : Jefferys & Co., Soho Square. 1 score (4 p.). (The Christian Graces ; no.2). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.187-192 of vol.)
n.d.; GLOVER, Stephen. Charity / written by Charles Jefferys. London : C. Jefferys, 21 Soho Square. 1 score ( 4 p.). (The Christian Graces ; no.3). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.193-198 of vol.)
n.d.; NELSON, S. The pilot / written by Thomas Haynes Bayly. London : Leoni Lee & Coxhead, 48 Albemarle Street. 1 score (5 p.). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.199-206 of vol.)
1845; NATHAN, Isaac. The Lord's prayer : composed for one or four voices. Sydney : W. Baker, Hibernian Press, King Street ; London : Falkner, 3 Old Bond Street. 1 score (4 p.). For voice or chorus (STTB) & piano or organ. Inscribed to the Right Reverend William Grant Broughton. (Call No.: pp.207-210 of vol.)
n.d.; MASON. Lord of all power and might : collect for the 7th Sunday after Trinity. London : T.E. Purday, 50 St Paul's Church Yard. 1 score (2 p.). For organ or piano. (Call No.: pp.211-214 of vol.)
n.d.; BORDESE, Luigi. Il zeffiro : arietta. London : Martin & Co., 3 Old Bond Street. 1 score (5 p.). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.215-222 of vol.)
n.d.; ROSSINI, G. Una voce poco fa : cavatina from the opera "Il Barbiere di Siviglia". London : Clementi & Co., 26 Cheapside. 1 score (9 p.). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.223-232 of vol.)
n.d.; SANFORD, George Augustus. Knitting & netting & crochet / written by C. Linnaeus Banks. London : Robert Cocks & Co., 6 New Burlington Street. 1 score (4 p.). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.233-240 of vol.)
[1845]; NATHAN, Isaac. Sir Wilfred / words by David Burn. Sydney : W. Baker, 101 King Street ; London : Falkner, 3 Old Bond Street. 1 score (5 p.). For voice & piano. Sung by Mrs Ximenes in the play "The Queen's Love" at the Victoria Theatre, Sydney. (Call No.: pp.241-244 of vol.)
n.d.; RUSSELL, Henry. I'm afloat / written by John Melton. London : H. Tolkein, 28 King William Street. 1 score (5 p.). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.245-252 of vol.)
n.d.; BARKER, George. Mary Blane / written by Wellington Guernsey. London : J. Williams, 123 Cheapside. 1 score (6 p.). For voice, chorus & piano. (Call No.: pp.253-260 of vol.)
n.d.; RUSSELL, Henry. The boatman of the Ohio / written by Charles Mackay. London : Addison & Hodson, 210 Regent Street. 1 score (5 p.). For voice & piano. (Call No.: pp.261-268 of vol.)
n.d.; [composer unidentified]. Buffalo gals. London : J. Williams, 123 Cheapside. 1 score (5 p.). For voice & piano. Sung by the Ethiopian Serenaders. (Call No.: pp.269-276 of vol.)
n.d.; [composer unidentified] Lucy Long : popular banjo song / words by J.W. Sweeny. London : D'Almaine & Co., 20 Soho Square. 1 score (5 p.). For voice & piano. Sung by Mr Sweeny at the Theatre Royal English Opera House. (Call No.: pp.277-284 of vol.)
n.d.; [composer unidentified]. Negro melodies : Old Joe or, Somebody in de house wid Dinah. London : D'Almaine & Co., 20 Soho Square. 1 score (5 p.). For voice & piano. Sung by the Ethiopian Serenaders. (Call No.: pp.285-292 of vol.)
n.d.; [composer unidentified]. Negro melodies : Old Dan Tucker. London : D'Almaine & Co., 20 Soho Square. 1 score (4 p.). For voice & piano. Sung by the Ethiopian Serenaders. (Call No.: pp.293-300 of vol.)
n.d.; JULLIEN. The bloomer quadrille. London : Jullien & Co., 214 Regent Street. 1 score (7 p.). For piano. (Call No.: pp.301-310 of vol.)
n.d.; D'ALBERT, Charles. The bridal polka. 6th ed. London : Chappell, 50 New Bond Street. 1 score (4 p.). For piano. (Call No.: pp.311-316 of vol.)
n.d.; COOPER, John. The special polka : inscribed to all loyal special constables of the nation. London : H. Tolkien, 28 King William Street. 1 score (5 p.). For piano. (Call No.: pp/317-324 of vol.)
n.d.; STRAUSS, Johann. Annen polka. London : R. Cocks & Co., 6 New Burlington Street. 1 score (2 p.). For piano. (Call No.: pp.325-328 of vol.)
n.d.; Davidson's little pieces for little players. [S.l. : s.n.]. 1 score (4 p.). For piano. Contents: Les rayons du soleil polka / [composer unknown] - Non piu mesta / by Rossini - La branche d'accacia polka / [composer unknown] - Air in la figlia del reggimento / by Donizetti. (Call No.: pp.329-332 of vol.)
n.d.; KOENIG, H. The post horn galop. London : Jullien, 214 Regent Street. 1 score (5 p.). For piano. (Call No.: pp.333-339 of vol.)

Conservation and binding completed with funds donated by Opera Lunedi Inc. in 2000