Daniel Bradshaw and Professor Murray Boren, Music; David Day, Music Librarian and Curator of Music Special Collections
As indicated by the title of this report, the index of Merrill Bradshaw’s compositions is still in the making. Although I expected this project to expand as I entered into the details of finding, collecting and indexing all of Bradshaw’s compositions, I was still surprised at how much time it took me just to find and collect. Thus far, I have collected information from the HBLL and Performance Libraries, worked with Mr. Day and Dr. Bradshaw to arrange the transport of materials toBYU, and filed the compositions for the archives of the HBLL. Though the final goal of this research (the web-based index) is yet unfinished, the experiences and work thus far have been inspiring to me and beneficial to the university. I thank ORCA for the generous funding which made this project possible.
The comprehensive nature of the proposed index required locating existing compositions in the HBLL, the HFAC Performance Library and Dr. Bradshaw’s personal archives in St. George, Utah. Dr. Bradshaw’s archives presented the greatest challenge, as works were not fully organized or indexed. Bradshaw also had concerns about the treatment and accessibility of his compositions which needed to be resolved before he was willing to donate materials to the HBLL. Through meetings with Mr. Day, we reached an agreement on how the works would be protected, and we formulated plans for accessibility, especially through the web. When completed, the web-based index will offer performers and researchers easy access to musical examples and sound recordings of Bradshaw’s music. Sales information and the option of ordering music through the internet will also be available. Given these conditions, Dr. Bradshaw willingly donated time and precious materials to the project; he worked a great deal to prepare his works and personal files for transport to the HBLL.
The filing of Bradshaw’s compositions has been a project in and of itself and will allow for easy research in the future. One great hope of this project has been that it will open the door for similar indices of other prominent LDS composers such as Robert Manookin, Robert Cundick, Leroy Robertson and others. There is a great need for the preservation of their works and the faith exemplified by their works. We cannot afford to let their legacy dwindle with the passing years. The careful examination and consideration of Bradshaw’s compositions has motivated me to compose substantial works of skill and faith. His sacred compositions preserve his spiritual convictions while maintaining musical integrity. They are impressive models for contemporary and future LDS composers, myself included. I am convinced that performers, composers and researchers who will study the works of Merrill Bradshaw and other LDS composers will be similarly inspired and motivated.