Cooper and Lockwood, 1956-06 - 1956-09

Almost half of this series is correspondence between Clara Chassell Cooper and Normand Lockwood. Through letters, post cards, and telegrams, they communicated on topics such as the setting of the libretto to music; information on rehearsals and performances; and complications involved in the copyrighting of the oratorio. Social communications, such as information about mutual acquaintances, details of travel plans, and holiday greetings, also are woven into their correspondence.

This series also contains Cooper’s and Lockwood’s respective correspondence with others connected with the oratorio, such as Berea College president Francis S. Hutchins; Rolf Hovey and other Berea College faculty and staff members; Thor Johnson and others associated with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; representatives of the National Council of Churches; attorneys and others involved in copyright resolution; representatives of other colleges, churches, and music organizations considering performances of the oratorio; and also some fan mail from admirers of the oratorio.

The correspondence also includes some letters between people other than Cooper and Lockwood, such as communications between attorneys and music publishers, and correspondence between Hovey and others involved in oratorio productions.