Carl Tollefsen Music Collection
The Tollefsen collection, purchased by Lovejoy Library in 1969, is
distinguished by both scope and quality. It was assembled, beginning
in 1906, by the late violinist Carl Tollefsen, founder of the Tollefsen
Trio. The collection extends to more than 5000 photographs, prints, autographs,
first editions, manuscripts, and ancient instruments.
The instrument collection contains both European and Oriental pieces,
mainly of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. A harpsichord
belonging to Marie Antoinette and a lute which was presented to Catherine
the Great of Russia are notable. Many of the instruments are
presentation pieces, lavishly decorated.
The extensive autograph collection is partly assembled in scrapbooks,
with photographs or sketches of the artists matched to the samples of
their writing -- sometimes signatures or notes, more often complete
letters. In addition, there is a yet-undetermined number of original
musical manuscripts including a song by Schumann and some portions
of the "New World" symphony by Dvorak.
A number of framed portraits, printed scores, books and libretti are
also present. Notable among the books is a small collection of ephemera
of particular interest to violinists.
For more information on Carl Tollefsen please visit:
E-mail comments and inquiries about the Tollefsen Music Collection to
Therese Dickman at tdickma@siue.edu or
call 618-650-2695.
http://www.siue.edu/~tdickma
Library and Information Services
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Updated by Kristin Walker
March 2005