Don and Marjorie Newton papers concerning Franz Holford

MLMSS 7943

fonds

1936-2008

Textual Records, Notated Music, Graphic Materials, Photographs

881176

0.16 metres of textual material and 7 photographs (1 box)

Franz Holford (1909-1994) was a pianist, music teacher, composer, poet, founder and editor of the Australian music journal Canon from 1947 to 1966, and music editor for the publishing house J. Albert & Son.

During his lifetime, it was widely believed that Holford was born in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1907. He claimed that his father was a surgeon and private consultant to Kaiser Wilhelm; that his mentor was the conductor Felix Weingartner; that he studied piano with Alfred Cortot in Paris and completed his studies at Oxford University; and that he came to Australia in 1939.

Since his death, it has been discovered that he was born on 9 November 1909 in Petersham, Sydney, the illegitimate son of Fanny Elinor Holford. His mother named him Albert Holford. He was raised by Fanny's parents, William Webster Holford and Annie Elizabeth Perkins, who called him William or Bill. He gradually changed his name to William Franz Holford, then dropped the William on all known documents except the electoral roll. Franz married Marjorie Doris Cole, a singer, in 1939. They separated in 1947. From 1940, Holford used the self-conferred title 'Doctor'. There is no evidence that he ever left Australia. It was through his work as editor of Canon that Holford made the acquaintance of a large number of influential musicians in Australia including those visiting from abroad.

Holford retired from public life in 1980 and looked after the composer Mirrie Hill, then in her nineties, until her death. In the last years of his life, ill with cancer, he was looked after by the family of composer Betty Beath in Brisbane. Holford died on 5 December 1994.

Don Newton's father, Reg, used to tune Holford's piano. Holford was a music tutor and mentor to Don.

Dr Marjorie Newton is a genealogist and historian.

References:
Compiled from the research papers of Marjorie Newton in the collection; also
Francis Ravel Harvey, 'A shadow without substance', MCA Music Forum, May-June 2004, pp.22-28.

Letters from Franz Holford to Don Newton, 1945-1965, including 7 photographs of Franz Holford (in two folders).

Folder entitled 'Franz Holford 1909-1994 : Family history research papers' compiled by Marjorie Newton. Includes copies of Holford's birth and marriage certificates and his Electoral Enrolment form, 1940.

PRINTED MATERIAL BY FRANZ HOLFORD:

The building of goblin town : a story in verse / written and illustrated by Franz Holford. Sydney : Deaton & Spencer [printer], [1936]. Inscribed "To Reg - who can tune a piano better than I can write a verse, Franz Holford, 1936".

Through the casement : poems / by Franz Holford. Sydney : Deaton & Spencer [printer], 1941.

Tone poems / by Franz Holford. Sydney : Deaton & Spencer [printer], 1941. Inscribed "To Reg - Kindest regards, Franz".

Dance for a gnome : for oboe and piano / by Franz Holford ; solo part edited by Evelyn Rothwell. London : J & W Chester, 1957. 1 score and 1 part.

Pastorale ; Goblin / by Franz Holford. London : J & W Chester, 1959. For oboe and piano. 2 scores and 2 parts.

Slumber song : oboe and piano / by Franz Holford. Sydney : Albert & Son, 1969. 1 score and 1 part.

Summer madrigal : oboe and piano / by Franz Holford. Sydney : Albert & Son, 1974. 1 score and 1 part.

OTHER PRINTED MATERIAL:

Australia's 150th Anniversary Celebrations 1938 book of music : festival concerts. Organised by the Celebrations Council to be given at the Royal Agricultural Society's Showground Moore Park, Sydney on 12th & 13th March, 1938. Also includes a Member's Ticket for the 5000 voice choir (Bass part).

The young Kabbarli : Chamber opera in one act / music by Margaret Sutherland ; libretto by Maie Casey. Sydney : Albert & Son, 1972. Limited edition no. 139, signed by Margaret Sutherland and Maie Casey.