Music at Columbia: The First 100 Years

The MacDowell Era > Department Chair

Edward MacDowell

Autograph letter, signed, to Brander Matthews, January 19, 1897

Brander Matthews Papers, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

 

Brander Matthews was Columbia's eminent Professor of Literature and Dramatic Literature, who was also the first university drama professor in America. MacDowell lost no time in pursuing his cross-disciplinary interests, and in this letter he asks Matthews to lecture the music students on opera.

Edward MacDowell

Autograph letter, signed, to Seth Low, May 30, 1904

Seth Low Papers, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

 

Edward MacDowell was not to remain at Columbia to carry out his promising and ambitions plans for the Department of Music. Philosophical differences between MacDowell and President Nicholas Murray Butler erupted in a widely-publicized conflict. Both men attempted to put the best face on the matter for the public; privately, each admitted to anger and bitterness. MacDowell's letter to his mentor and colleague, Seth Low — who as President had called MacDowell to Columbia — reveals the deep disappointment that led to macDowell's resignation from the University in 1904. He did not recover from the distress surrounding his departure, and this was seen by his wife and friends as a principal factor in the rapid physical and mental decline that led to his death in 1908 at the age of 47.

 

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