Papers of Sir John Blackwood McEwen, 1868-1948, composer

Autograph scores by Sir John Blackwood McEwen (1868-1948). A large proportion is made up of instrumental and chamber music, but there are also a number of songs, part-songs and some orchestral music. This collection has been augmented by about 100 items which were received in 1981/82 and comprise mainly drafts, fragments and sketches [Accession no. 4623]. About three quarters of the material is unpublished; for details of published scores see printed books catalogue

Sir John Blackwood McEwen (1868-1948) was born in Hawick, Scotland. After graduating MA from the University of Glasgow in 1888 he studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He came back to Glasgow to teach at the Glasgow Athenaeum from 1895 to 1898, thereafter returning to the Royal Academy as Professor of Harmony and Composition before becoming Principal there in 1924, retiring in 1936. In 1947, some 11 years after his retirement, he was persuaded to give his compositions to Glasgow University Library. He died in 1948.

The arrangement of this material reflects the original order in which it was received

Access is open, however an appointment may be required. Please email Archives and Special Collections for advice: library-asc@glasgow.ac.uk

Gift : John McEwen : 1947 : ACCN 4622

See also University of Glasgow Collections

List of contents of original parcels shelved at Ca14-z.76

This material has been appraised in line with standard GB 247 procedures

Held by Sir John Blackwood McEwen and presented to the University through Henry G Farmer, 24 Oct 1947. Receipt acknowledged 6 Nov 1947. See letters in MS Farmer 217.

• Transfer : Scottish Music Information Centre : 1981 : ACCN 4623
• Transfer : Scottish Music Information Centre : 1998 : ACCN 4745
• Gift : Alasdair Mitchell : 1993 : ACCN 4849
• Gift : RVW TRust : 2004 : ACCN 4845
• Gift : Alasdair Mitchell : 2004 : ACCN 4843
• Transfer : Music Dept, University of Glasgow: 1998 : ACCN 4715