Music manuscripts of Two Pieces for Viola and Piano: Intermezzo and Prelude composed for Robert Wood by Norbert Wentzel, with associated papers, 1943-1969

MLMSS 7872

fonds

1943-1969

Manuscript Notated Music, Textual Records

844315

0.3m of textual material (1 box)

Norbert Wentzel's composition for viola and piano was written for Robert Wood, leader of the viola section of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra when Norbert was a member of the viola section. Robert Wood performed the work for radio broadcast on 2BL on 24 March 1957 in the session called 'Impressions in Music'.

Norbert Wentzel's parents, Albert and Annie Wentzel, came to Australia in 1888 when Albert was invited to play in the 1st violins of the Centennial International Exhibition Orchestra in Melbourne, conducted by Sir Frederick Cowen. Albert and Annie then settled in Sydney where they brought up their two sons, Charles and Norbert. The two brothers quickly showed musical talent as performers and composers, and at a young age entered into the professional musical life of Sydney. Norbert composed orchestral, vocal and chamber music, which was broadcast, performed and published in his lifetime. Much of his music was lost in a fire in the Palings building. His orchestral works were performed by the different state orchestras. Charles and Norbert taught music privately and in schools, and were members of the viola section in the early days of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Norbert married Nyora Chrissen in 1930. They had two children, Peter and Ann, who also pursued musical careers. Ann Wentzel became the distinguished Australian composer, Ann Carr-Boyd.

References:
Compiled from the collection and from information supplied by Ann Carr-Boyd.

The manuscripts were given by the composer to Robert Wood, for whom they were specially written. In 1969, Robert Wood gave the manuscripts to Margaret Berriman, violist in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. At a later date, the manuscripts were donated to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

The collection comprises:
1. The original manuscript score for viola and piano in the composer's hand, signed by the composer and dated 1943 (15 pages in ink);
2. The manuscript score for viola and piano copied by Robert Wood (15 pages in ink);
3. The viola part of Intermezzo copied by Robert Wood (2 pages in ink, with annotations in pencil);
4. The viola part of Prelude copied by Robert Wood (2 pages in ink, with annotations in pencil);
5. An explanatory note in Norbert Wentzel's hand, in which he states that "The two pieces for viola and piano 'Prelude' and 'Intermezzo' were specially composed for Robert Wood".
6. A manuscript letter from Robert Wood to Margaret Berriman, dated 14 June 1969, giving her the music of the Two Pieces for Viola and Piano, "in the fond hope that you will perform them now and again".

This music was performed by Victoria Jacono (viola) and John Martin (piano) at the State Library of New South Wales on 25 July 2008 at an event to celebrate the 70th Birthday of Ann Carr-Boyd.
A draft manuscript score in pencil of the Prelude and the Vivace section of the Intermezzo is included in the Ann Carr-Boyd collection - further Wentzel family papers - music manuscripts by Albert, Charles and Norbert Wentzel and others, 1906-1957 -

K8 WEN 1 (previous location number, Rare Music Library of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music)