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 1: Papers

Sub-Series 1: General

Box 1

Folder 1: Promotional materials and works lists
Folder 2: List of compositions [Typescript, undated]
Folder 3: Concert programs, 1978-1988
Folder 4: Correspondence: general, 1965-1988
Folder 5: Correspondence: Connecticut Composers Festival, 1981
Folder 6: Correspondence: Washington, DC Youth Orchestra, 1986-1988
Folder 7: Name change [MS, undated]
Folder 8: Information for possible recording project [ Undated]
Folder 9: ASCAP
Folder 10: Islam: Notes [MS, undated]
Folder 11: Islam: published materials
Folder 12: "Associative Music" [MS fragment, undated]
Folder 13: Music articles or papers [MS, undated]
Folder 14: Music: course notes [MS, undated]
Folder 15: Miscellaneous notes and MS fragments
Folder 16: Black music and culture: published materials
Folder 17: Abrams, Richard Muhal. Song for Leo. Score (photocopy)

Sub-Series 2

Box 1

Folder 18: Compositions, performance notes, etc.

Browse by Series:

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