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Mihály Virizlay papers and cello score collection

 Collection
Identifier: PIMS-0007

Scope and Contents

The Mihály Virizlay papers, 1912-2008, contain materials created throughout Virizlay's long career as a cellist and teacher. The bulk of the collection consists of published and manuscript musical scores. These include Virizlay's own compositions and arrangements, some of which were performed during his lifetime but were never published. There are also a number of recordings, concert programs, newspaper clippings, and a significant amount of correspondence. Of particular interest are unique live recordings and music manuscripts, including an autograph of Penderecki's Cello Concerto cadenza in Series 3.

Dates

  • Creation: 1912 - 2008
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1962-2004

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for use at the Arthur Friedheim Library Archives of the Peabody Institute. Contact peabodyarchives@lists.jhu.edu for more information.

Conditions Governing Use

Single copies may be made for research purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions. It is not necessary to seek our permission as the owner of the physical work to publish or otherwise use public domain materials that we have made available for use, unless Johns Hopkins University holds the copyright. All requests for permission to publish or perform materials in this collection must be submitted in writing to the archivist of the Arthur Friedheim Library.

Biographical / Historical

Mihály Virizlay (1931-2008) was a Hungarian-born cellist who had an international career as a concerto and recital soloist, was principal cello of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for 40 years, and taught at the Peabody Institute. Born in Budapest, Virizlay began playing the violin at age four but switched to cello when he entered the Franz Liszt Academy at the age of seven. At the academy he studied with Janos Starker, a lifelong friend and colleague, and Zoltán Kodály, one of his greatest musical influences. Virizlay established himself as a soloist in Europe upon completing his studies. During the failed Hungarian Revolution of 1956, he fled to the United States, where he lived in a refugee camp for a time before a recommendation from Starker allowed him to gain residency. He soon earned a post with the Dallas Symphony, followed by principal posts with the Chicago and Pittsburgh Symphonies before joining the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 1962. Virizlay joined the faculty of the Peabody Institute in 1964 and continued to teach and perform with the BSO until he suffered a stroke in 2002. He remained with the orchestra as principal cello emeritus before retiring in 2004.

Virizlay was also a composer who premiered his Cello Concerto with the BSO and frequently performed his Suite for Solo Cello in recitals. Known for his rich tone and expressivity, Virizlay performed dozens of times as a soloist with the BSO and other major orchestras around the world.

Extent

21 Cubic Feet (42 boxes of various sizes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Mihály Virizlay (1931-2008) was a Hungarian-born cellist who had an international career as a concerto and recital soloist, was principal cello of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for 40 years, and taught at the Peabody Institute. The Mihály Virizlay papers contain published and manuscript musical scores, chiefly for cello, including Virizlay’s own compositions and arrangements. The collection also includes recordings, concert programs, newspaper clippings, and correspondence.

Other Finding Aids

A detailed PDF finding aid exists offline. Please contact peabodyarchives@lists.jhu.edu for more information.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Robin Kissinger and Lianna Kissinger-Virizlay in 2007.

Processing Information

Processed by Isaac Greene, 2015-2017.

  • 35 8mm home movies, 1972-1979
Title
Guide to the Mihály Virizlay papers and cello score collection
Author
Matt Testa
Date
2023
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English
Edition statement
Notes updated in May 2023.

Repository Details

Part of the Peabody Archives Repository

Contact:
Peabody Institute
1 E. Mount Vernon Place
Baltimore MD 21202 USA