Allan Arthur Willman papers, 1929-2011
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Willman, Allan Arthur, 1909-1989
- Title
- Allan Arthur Willman papers
- Dates
- 1929-2011 (inclusive)Date of CollectionDate of Collection
- Quantity
- 6.33 cubic ft. (8 boxes)
- Collection Number
- 400049
- Summary
- Allan Arthur Willman (1909-1989) was a classical music composer, classical pianist, and music professor at the University of Wyoming during the twentieth century. The collection consists of scores, recordings of musical performances, personal correspondence,and diaries and ledgers.
- Repository
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American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu - Access Restrictions
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There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.
- Languages
- English
Historical Note
Allan Arthur Willman (1909-1989) was a classical music composer, classical pianist, and music professor during the twentieth century. Born in Hinckley, Illinois, educated at Knox College Conservatory of Music and Chicago Musical College, Willman was a classically trained pianist who performed throughout the United States and in Europe. From 1936 to 1974, he was a professor of music at the University of Wyoming, where he spent much of his career as head of the university's Department of Music (1942-1974). Willman composed a number of classical pieces in the course of his career, including "Solitude", "A Ballade of the Night", and "Where the Lilac Blows".
Content Description
Collection contains Allan Arthur Willman's personal correspondence, Willman's musical scores (originals and copies, include those for "Solitude", "A Ballade of the Night", and "Where the Lilac Blows"), audio recordings of Willman's musical performances (including "Solitude" and "A Ballade of the Night"), Willman's notebooks, Willman's appointment books, musical scores composed by Willman's students (originals and copies), and papers written by Willman's students. Published sheet music of Willman's classical pieces (including "A Ballade of the Night" and "Where the Lilac Blows"), a 1935 diary kept by Willman, a few clippings, and miscellaneous sheet music are in this collection as well. Collection also contains research materials for Jo Ann Haycraft Cummings' dissertation on Willman, including correspondence, articles, sheet music, music recordings, and an interview with Willman.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Use
Copyright InformationThe researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
Restrictions on Use
Statement on Potentially Harmful Language and Images Found in CollectionsThe American Heritage Center aspires to approach all areas of our work in ways that are respectful to those who create, use, and are represented in our collections. For a variety of reasons, however, users may encounter offensive or harmful language or images in some of our finding aids, catalogs, and collection materials.
Note that the AHC does not censor or alter contents of the collections as they provide context and evidence of a time, people, place, or event. Therefore, we encourage users to bring questions and concerns about descriptions in our finding aids to our attention via email or anonymous web-form. For more information, read our full statement.
Preferred Citation
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
Administrative Information
Related Materials
There are no known other archival collections created by Allan Arthur Willman at the date of processing.
Acquisition Information
This material was received from Allan Arthur Willman, Gordon and Gay Gallup, Jo Ann Haycraft between 1987-2023, and Hugh Barr in 2023.
Processing Note
The collection was processed by Shaun Hayes in September 2009. Additional material was added by John Waggener and D. Claudia Thompson in January 2014 and Jamie J. Greene in April 2018 and April 2025.
Detailed Description of the Collection
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Description: Biographical information on Allan Willman and Jo Ann HaycraftDates: 1936-1977Container: Box 7
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Description: Personal correspondenceDates: 1929-1987Container: Box 1
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Description: Postcard correspondence and vacation picturesDates: 1937-1961Container: Box 2
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Description: Diaries, notebooks, and postersDates: 1935-1987Container: Box 3
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Description: Scores and transcribed music by Allan WillmanDates: undatedContainer: Box 4-5, 7
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Description: Willman's music scores - including "Where the Lilac Blows"Dates: 1962Container: Box 7
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Research materials from Jo Ann Haycraft Cummings' dissertation on Allan Arthur Willman:
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Description: Book: "A History: Department of Music University of Wyoming" by Edgar J. Lewis JrDates: 1998-2009Container: Box 8
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Description: Book: "Alan Arthur Willman: The Towering Pianist Who Brought Music to Wyoming" by Jo Ann HaycraftDates: 2022Container: Box 8
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Description: Correspondence - KolbDates: 2000-2003Container: Box 8
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Description: Willman's music scores - including "For Patty," "Fugue," "Past Surmise," and "A Song for Christmas"Dates: 1936Container: Box 7-8
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Description: "Relaxation and Weight Transference Technique"Dates: undatedContainer: Box 8
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Description: Dr. Janet Bass SmithDates: 2001Container: Box 8
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Description: Nadia BoulangerDates: 1935-2005Container: Box 8
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Description: Darius MilhaudDates: 1949Container: Box 8
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Description: Peter BoyerDates: 2001-2011Container: Box 8
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Description: Article "Joyful Noise" mentioning the Allan and Regina Willman fundDates: 2003Container: Box 8
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Description: Outstanding professor banquetDates: June 1, 2001Container: Box 8
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Description: Painting acquired by WillmanDates: 1986-1995Container: Box 8
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Description: Photographs of WillmanDates: 1926-1985Container: Box 8
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Audio:
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Description: Music recordings: audio cassettes, reel-to-reel tapes, phonograph recordDates: undatedContainer: Box 6
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Description: Allan Arthur Willman music recordings, tapes #1-8 - WNYC American music festival, "A Ballade of the Night", Trio in A minor and in F major, Sonata in A major, Trio in F major, opus 80, RIAS Berlin, Concertino for piano and orchestra (12 cassette tapes)Dates: 1958-1966Container: Box 8
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Description: Allan Willman interview by Maria Madigan (3 cassette tapes)Dates: undatedContainer: Box 8
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Description: Jo Ann Haycraft music recordings, student of Willman (cassette tape)Dates: 1955Container: Box 8
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Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Composition (Music)-- United States-- 20th century.
- Music-- United States-- 20th century.
- Pianists-- United States-- 20th century.
- Piano music-- United States-- 20th century.
- Piano-- Performance-- United States.
- Composers-- United States-- 20th century.
Corporate Names
- University of Wyoming. Dept. of Music.
