MUSIC MANUSCRIPTS ONLINE WILL LAUNCH DECEMBER 20 WITH OVER FORTY COMPLETE WORKS AND PLANS CALL FOR HUNDREDS MORE FROM THE  MORGAN’S RENOWNED COLLECTION

The Morgan Library & Museum has announced that on December 20, 2010, it will make digital versions of more than forty celebrated music manuscripts from its extraordinary permanent collection available on its Web site for the first time. Music Manuscripts Online, at www.themorgan.org/music, will include such important works as Beethoven's Violin and Piano Sonata, op. 96; Chopin's Polonaise, op. 53; Debussy's En sourdine; Haydn's Symphony No. 91; Mahler's Symphony No. 5; Mendelssohn's Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage; Mozart's Piano Concerto, K 537; and Schubert's Impromptus D 935.

Eventually as many as nine hundred manuscripts containing more than 42,000 pages will be added to the Morgan’s Web site.  The Morgan’s collection of music manuscripts is considered one of the best in the world, and is consulted by scholars, performers, conductors, and collectors. Until recently, access was largely provided by appointment through the Morgan’s Reading Room, although the recent restoration of the Morgan’s McKim building will permit the rotating display of a selection of highlights from the collection on an ongoing basis. The collection is also made available to the public through a wide array of public exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and other programs.