Douglas Clarke was born in Reading, England, and received his musical training at Reading University and at Cambridge, where he earned B.A. and Mus. B. degrees. He practiced as an accompanist, and studied composition under Gustav Holst, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Charles Wood. In 1927, Clarke came to Winnipeg as conductor of the Philharmonic Society and the Winnipeg Male Choir. In 1929, he was appointed Director of the McGill University Conservatorium, and in 1930, Dean of the Faculty of Music. In the same year, Clarke was invited to be guest conductor of the newly formed Montréal Orchestra, and shortly thereafter was asked to become its permanent director. He held this post for more than a decade. Clarke also performed as a pianist and guest conductor, and published both vocal and instrumental works. He passed away in 1962.
Published
Title based on contents of the fonds.
Fonds consists of private correspondence related to Clarke’s professional work, a few musical manuscripts and texts of addresses, and a large body of personal financial accounts. His correspondence falls into two series. The general correspondence discusses arrangements for concerts in England and Canada, compositions (his own and others), the problems of musical life in Montréal, and private matters such as travel arrangements and club memberships. Much of the correspondence concerns the social aspects of music and of Clarke's position: patronage of musical events, organization of celebrations for the Jubilee of 1935 and the Coronation in 1937, and complementary tickets to concerts. Amongst his correspondents are a number of musicians and composers, including Sir Ernest MacMillan and Healey Willan. A very small percentage of this material concerns university business. A second series consists of invitations to address or attend meetings, with related correspondence. Both series cover the years 1929-1952.
Over half of the papers consist of personal financial accounts (1929-1953) for Clarke's insurance, taxes, apartment rental, various domestic expenses (e.g. groceries), telegrams, travel, and transportation.
There are two undated addresses: one on Christmas and the second on musical education. There are also two music sketchbooks from around 1920. Pictorial material comprises two photographs (approximately 1923, 1954) and a pencil sketch (1933).
The material was transferred from the Music Library by John Black on February 22nd 1989.