Talib Rasul Hakim papers, 1963-1988 | Center for Black Music Research

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Collection Overview

Title: Talib Rasul Hakim papers, 1963-1988

Predominant Dates:1963-1986

ID: 1000/HAKIM_1008

Primary Creator: Hakim, Talib Rasul, 1940-1988 (1940-1988)

Extent: 15.36 Linear Feet. More info below.

Arrangement: The collection is arranged in two series: Series 1: Papers; and Series 2: Scores.

Date Acquired: 00/00/1994

Subjects: 20th Century, African Americans--Music, Composers, Black

Abstract

Talib Rasul Hakim (1940-1988) was a composer whose work strongly reflected his interest in Islam and Eastern religions. The collection is comprosed of personal papers, correspondence, scores, and performance notes for his compositions. A few recordings of performances are also included.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

The papers largely consist of notes and materials regarding his compositions along with some personal notes and fragments. His notes on the performance of his compositions may be on interest to performers and scholars. Some fliers and programs from his performances survive. The correspondence dates mainly from the years just prior to his death.

Not all his scores are represented in the collection, which is particularly strong on early pieces (from the 1960s) although his major later works are present. Many scores are self-published ozalids, but the masters also survive. There are some manuscript sketches for later works. The published scores are present only in their published form. Absent from this collection is his 1967 piano piece “Sound-Gone” which is now out of print. Also included are a few concert and rehearsal recordings.

Collection Historical Note

Talib Rasul Hakim (1940-1988) was born Stephen Alexander Chambers in Asheville, North Carolina. He developed an interest in music in high school, studied clarinet and piano, and continued his education at the Manhattan School of Music (1958-1959), and the New York College of Music (1959-1963). Sometime in the 1960s he became interested in Sufism and assumed his Arabic name in 1973. He taught at several institutions and was the recipient of many awards and grants. His pieces “Sound--Gone” (1967), “Placements” (1970) and “Visions of Ishwara” (1970) were commercially recorded and published, and numerous other works received concert performances. His music often incorporated avant-garde compositional and performance techniques. His works also strongly reflect his interest in Islam and Eastern religions.

Subject/Index Terms

20th Century
African Americans--Music
Composers, Black

Administrative Information

Repository: Center for Black Music Research

Alternate Extent Statement: 15.36 linear feet (11 boxes)

Access Restrictions: None

Use Restrictions: Permission from Zakiah Barksdale-Hakim

Physical Access Note: Includes scores, manuscript scores

Acquisition Source: Lorenzo Chambers

Finding Aid Revision History: Finding aid edited by Adam Melville, March 6, 2018.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Series:

[Series 1: Papers],
[Series 2: Scores],
[All]

Series 2: Scores

Box 1

Item 1: "A - B - C - L - S; 10 - 27 - 81" (1981)
Item 2: Abstractions for Three
Item 3: And They Called Him Paul. (1976)
Item 4: Arkan-5 (1980)
Item 5: Az Zaahir --- Al Baatin ("The Outward - The Inward") (1985-86)
Item 6: A Beginning (Piece for Small Orchestra)

Box 2

Item 1: Bir-ming-ham Reflections (1985)

Box 3

Item 1: "Chorus -- From a Love Poem" (Feb.-April 1986)
Item 2: Concepts. (1974)
Item 3: Contemplation. (1964)
Item 4: Contours. (1966)
Item 5: Currents. (1967) String quartet
Item 6: Duo. (1963) Flute and clarinet.
Item 7: Encounter. (1965)
Item 8: Encounters.
Item 9: Episodes. (1965)
Item 10: Evening Impressions.
Item 11: Excursion. (1963)
Item 12: Excursions: Then and Now. (1963-65)
Item 13: “Four.” (1965)
Item 14: Fragments and Things.
Item 15: Fragments from Other Places--Other Times (1982)
Item 16: Holiday Sketches.

Box 4

Item 17: Images. (1964)
Item 18: Impressions. Woodwind quintet.
Item 19: The Lights. (1982)
Item 20: Moments. (1964-65)
Item 21: "Music for Nine Players and Soprano Voice" (1977)
Item 22: Mutations. (1964)
Item 23: Ode to Self.
Item 24: Ode to Silence. (1964)
Item 25: On BEing Still--On the 8th. (1978)
Item 26: One of Many Myths.

Box 5

Item 27: Parables. (1979)
Item 28: Passages. (1965)
Item 29: Peace--Mobile: See Piece Mobile
Item 30: Perceptions. String Quartet.
Item 31: A Piano Piece in Six Sections. (1965)
Item 32: Piece Mobile. Woodwind Quintet. (1964)
Item 33: Placements. (1970)
Item 34: Portraits. (1965)
Item 35: Prelude for Clarinet and Piano.
Item 36: Prelude. Trombone and Piano.
Item 37: Profiles. (1964)
Item 38: Psalm of Akhnaten. (1978)
Item 39: "Quote -- Unquote" (1983)
Item 40: Quartet in Four Sections. (1965)

Box 6

Item 41: Ramadhan Meditations. (1986)
Item 42: Re/Currences (1974)
Item 43: Reflections.

Box 7

Item 44: Sectional. (1964)
Item 45: "The Seeker" (1981)
Item 46: "Segments - Four" B-flat Clarinet Solo. (1981)
Item 47: Set Three. (1970)
Item 48: Shapes. (1965)
Item 49: Six players and a Voice. (1964)
Item 50: Spiritual and Other Fragments from Another Time and Other Places. (1983)
Item 51: Three Play Short Five. (1965)
Item 52: Titles. Woodwind Quartet. (1965)
Item 53: "Tone-Poem" (1970)
Item 54: Tone Prayers. (1973)
Item 55: Transitions. (1964)
Item 56: Visions of Ishwara. (1970)
Item 57: Words and Music. (1965)

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[Series 1: Papers],
[Series 2: Scores],
[All]