Psalm 117 and Psalm 134 (“Two Psalms for a cappella choir”), by Fissinger, 1950
File — Box: 8, Folder: 12
Scope and Contents
From the Collection:
The Edwin Fissinger Papers document his prolific career as a composer primarily through an extensive collection of his original arrangements. The papers have been organized into three series: Fissinger’s dissertation on Antonio Caldara, Publications, and Compositions.
The correspondence folder contains only several letters (1963-1966) from World Library of Sacred Music related to the publishing of his music. The award nomination contains the formal nomination made by Sandra K. Stanley for a NDSU award.
Dr. Fissinger completed his Ph.D. dissertation in 1965 at the University of Illinois, titled Selected Sacred Works of Antonio Caldara. This series contains his research notes and copies of Caldara’s music. The collection does not include a copy of the completed dissertation.
The Publications Series includes several books that include compositions by Fissinger or items he edited. Christ is Risen includes his “Alleluia! The Strife is O’er.” This work is composed of nine organ pieces based on Easter hymn tunes and published in 1965. One Faith in Song includes both the two and three equal voices books. Fissinger’s contributions include, All Hail, Adored Trinity; Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty; Lord, Who at Thy first Eucharist Didst Pray; Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow, Sing of Mary; Sunday Hymn; Faith of our Fathers; and Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence. The book Parish Liturgy, a book of Mass ordinaries and hymns for Mass and the sacraments, includes a number of
compositions by Fissinger for the Mass. Six Soft Pieces includes Fissinger’s “To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King.” There is also a copy of his Workbook of Music Fundamentals, published in 1959.
The Compositions Series constitutes the great majority of the collection and has been organized alphabetically by title. With the preponderance of music titles, italics have not been used. If provided, dates and other information are given with the entry on the finding aid. The first two folders contain music manuscripts by Dr. Fissinger for music to be used in Catholic church services, including the Alleluia, Gloria, Gradual, Introit, Propers, etc. For all other compositions the research should consult the box/folder listing for specific titles. Almost all are the handwritten work of Dr. Fissinger, with only an occasional draft or final printed version.
A later donation (2010) includes three of Fissinger’s original works. They are Eight Songs for Mezzo Soprano and Four Songs for Soprano which are similar to those in the original collection, with slight differences. For Sing Noel there is a copy of the 1957 published version by World Library Publications and a mimeographed mss version with a personal inscription by Fissinger to the recipient Frances Mandell. Sing Noel was given to Mrs. Mandell by Fissinger. The others were given by Fissinger to Ms. Maxine Mandell, Mrs. Mandell’s daughter.
Dates
- 1948-1990
Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.
Extent
From the Collection: 2.75 Linear Feet (2.75 linear feet)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: Fissinger, Edwin, 1920-1990. (Person)
- From the Collection: Fissinger, Edwin, 1920-1990. (Person)
- From the Collection: North Dakota State University. Music Dept. (Organization)
Repository Details
Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository
Contact:
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu