Correspondence, 1922-1971
The Correspondence series, which spans the dates 1922-1971, offers much of musical interest. Included are letters from composers Paul Creston, George Crumb, Walter Piston, Quincy Porter and Ross Lee Finney. Extensive correspondence from violin master Leopold Auer as well as correspondence from violinists Jascha Heifitz and Joseph Szigeti and author Upton Sinclair is also included. The topics discussed in this series range from comments on premiere performances of several composer's works to violin performance practices. One folder contains correspondence with rare violin dealer Emil Hermann and documents Ross' purchase of the 1705 "Joset" Stradivarius violin. This folder serves to show how the violin market changed over a thirty-year time span.
University of Michigan correspondence includes School of Music Dean Earl V. Moore from 1941 to 1964 and his successor James B. Wallace from 1950 to 1969. This correspondence provides insights into the music school's interest in the development of its string program and support of Ross. A consequent folder documents Ross' initial resignation submitted in 1964 and dissatisfaction with the music school's direction under Wallace's leadership. This resignation was eventually withdrawn by Ross.