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Ralph Guenther Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS 148

Collection Scope and Content Summary

The papers consist of published works of music, arrangements, and unpublished compositions by Ralph Guenther from the years 1939 through 1996. The items are arranged alphabetically by the title of the composition.

Dates

  • Creation: 1939 -1996, and undated

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical / Historical

A noted flutist and composer, Ralph Guenther was born on November 24, 1914 in Concordia, Missouri to William and Ida Nell Guenther. After graduating from Central Methodist University, he earned his Master's Degree and Performers Certificate in Flute from the Eastman School of Music in 1938.  He went on to teach in public schools in Missouri. There he met his future wife, Lavonne, and married in 1940. Ralph enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the beginning of World War II and served as a Marine Officer in the Pacific, including campaigns in Okinawa and the Philippines. After being discharged from the service Ralph returned to the Eastman School of Music for his doctoral studies. He received his Ph.D. in 1948 and accepted a position as Professor of Flute and Theory and Composition at Texas Christian University where he taught for the next 32 years. During his tenure at TCU and continuing into retirement, he composed and published hundreds of works for the flute and many other compositions for choir, chamber groups, band and orchestra. He was also an active performer and conductor, serving as Principal Flute for the Fort Worth Symphony and Fort Worth Opera and conducting the Texas Christian University Orchestra and the Fort Worth All-City High School Orchestra. He and Lavonne, a pianist, gave many recital performances together. He retired to Seattle in 1987 and died there on February 28, 2007 at the age of 92.

In 1973, Guenther composed Celebration for the TCU Centennial Symphony Orchestra, to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the founding of Texas Christian University.

Extent

1.25 Linear feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The papers consist of published works of music, arrangements, and unpublished compositions by Ralph Guenther from the years 1939 through 1996. The items are arranged alphabetically by the title of the composition.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by musical score title.

Physical Location

Vault AC 1

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by his daughter Sally Guenther on June 6, 2014 and May 9, 2015.

Title
Guide to the Ralph Guenther Papers
Status
Completed
Author
Compiled by Lisa Peña
Date
May 2015
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Archives and Special Collections, Mary Couts Burnett Library Repository

Contact:
TCU Box 298400
2800 S. University Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76129-0001
Fort Worth Texas 76129
(817) 257-4566
(817) 257-7282 (Fax)