Behind the music

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Published on: 18.11.2024

Original manuscripts by Beethoven, the largest flute collection in the world, and priceless Stradivarius violins – the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. is home to countless extraordinary exhibits. Among them is the original manuscript of Korngold’s violin concerto, a work on our tour programme. In the video, Stephan Koncz and Bruno Delepelaire go on a search for clues in the depths of the library.

Video: Magdalena Zieba-Schwind, Adam Janisch

The Library of Congress in Washington D.C., along with the British Library in London, is one of the two largest libraries in the world, and surely has one of the most beautiful reading rooms. | Picture: Magdalena Zieba-Schwind

The library’s 8.1 million scores also include numerous manuscripts - here, for example, by a certain Mr Beethoven. | Picture: Kerstin Glasow

Stephan Koncz and Bruno Delepelaire, together with James Wintle from the library’s music department, take a look at the original manuscript of Korngold's violin concerto. | Picture: Kerstin Glasow

In addition to books and media, there are also 3.3 million other objects in the huge library, including the world's largest collection of flutes. | Picture: Kerstin Glasow

It contains, for example, one of the flutes of Frederick the Great. | Picture: Kerstin Glasow

Although Sébastian Jacot was not allowed to try it out, here he is playing from the original manuscript of the flute sonata that was written by Francis Poulenc for Jean-Pierre Rampal on Rampal's own flute. | Picture: Kerstin Glasow

Also curious: Sergei Rachmaninov's desk was bequeathed to the Library of Congress by his children. | Picture: Kerstin Glasow

Even more to try out: Joaquín Riquelme García plays a Guarneri del Gesù violin. The catch: the only bow available on the day is a cello bow. | Picture: Magdalena Zieba-Schwind

Many thanks to the great team at the Music Division, especially Susan Vita, James Wintle and Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres, who made this unique visit possible!

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