Guide to the Papers of Curt and Marea Prerauer

Searching...

MS 10040

National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record

Created: 2008

Collection Summary

Creator
Prerauer, Curt
Prerauer, Marea
Title
Papers of Curt and Marea Prerauer
Date Range
1869-2006
Collection Number
MS 10040
Extent
12.06 metres (57 boxes + 3 folio boxes + 1 elephant folio packet)
Language of Materials
English
Repository
National Library of Australia
Sponsor
This finding aid is published with the assistance of the Ray Mathew and Eva Kollsman Trust.

Introduction

Scope and Contents

The papers relate to the lives and careers of conductor, vocal coach, music critic and composer Curt Prerauer, and soprano, journalist, music critic and author Marea Prerauer. The papers feature the Prerauers' shared correspondence, including correspondence with composers and other cultural figures such as Peter Sculthorpe, Richard Meale and Patrick White. Other material includes drafts of their music criticism and other writings, manuscripts of music composed by Curt Prerauer, published music owned by the Prerauers, photographs and family papers. The largest series comprises cuttings of their published work.

Papers specifically pertaining to Curt Prerauer include family papers that document his move to Australia, and the details of family property in Germany (later Poland) seized by the Nazis, for which the family sought restitution after World War II.

Marea Prerauer's papers include her creative writing and juvenilia, material relating to her career as an opera singer, letters written to her in her capacity as arts gossip columnist "Marietta", and Arts Editor of The Australian, and cuttings of her work as a journalist after Curt Prerauer's death.

Conditions Governing Access

Available for research. Not for loan.

Conditions Governing Use

Copying and publishing of unpublished manuscript material is subject to copyright restrictions. For such material, written permission to publish must be obtained from the copyright holder(s). Copying of unpublished material for research purposes is permissible 50 years after the death of the creator of the material.

Preferred Citation

Items from this collection should be cited as '[Title or description of manuscript item], Papers of Curt and Marea Prerauer, National Library of Australia, MS 10040, [series/file number]'.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Marea Prerauer's nephew Alyn Tilleard donated the papers to the National Library of Australia in two instalments in 2006 and 2007. The National Library of Australia's Curator of Music Robyn Holmes and music historian Graeme Skinner packed the papers and undertook some arrangement and listing of the collection.

Papers on the Prerauer's translation of works by Patrick White are held in the Papers of Patrick White, as is correspondence with White (MS 9982). Correspondence with Curt Prerauer is held in the Papers of James Murdoch (MS 8372).

The Prerauer's published works, including German translations of Ray Lawler's Summer of the seventeenth doll and Patrick White's Riders in the chariot, and Marea's books for children (which she published as Marea Wolkowsky) are listed on the Library's catalogue.

Arrangement

The collection was reasonable order on receipt, much having being filed and retained in original filing systems by Curt and Marea Prerauer. The music, photographs and many publications are exceptions and were in little order. While many files contain a mix of types of papers from various dates, they have not been internally rearranged, and so there is some overlap between series. Some correspondence and loose material has been put in chronological or alphabetical order, by Graeme Skinner and Robyn Holmes when packing the records, and subsequently by National Library of Australia staff members.

Because there was much overlap in the Prerauers' careers, several series relate to their shared work and correspondence. Others series are attributed to either Curt or Marea Prerauer. This series arrangement was decided upon largely due to the long career Marea had in journalism following Curt's death in 1967.

The Library has used the spelling of the Prerauer's names as Curt and Marea, although both were known by different spellings through their careers. Curt Prerauer changed the spelling of his first name from Kurt after he emigrated to Australia in the 1930s. Marea sang and wrote children's books under her maiden name of Marea Wolkowsky, and used Maria Prerauer for her career in journalism.

Biographical Note

For a biography of Curt Prerauer, see Australian Dictionary of Biography - http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/prerauer-kurt-curt-11455.

Marea Wolkowsky was born in Sydney 2 May 1922. From an early age she showed a love and talent for the arts, especially singing and writing. Hearing her sing as a 16 year old, visiting opera singer Alexander Kipnis praised Marea's voice, and encouraged Curt Prerauer to take her on as a student for vocal training. Curt and Marea married in 1942. In the 1950s, the couple lived and worked in Europe, with Curt acting as Marea's manager and accompanist. Marea performed soprano roles in various productions including Alban Berg's Wozzeck, conducted by Erich Kleiber at Convent Garden. Marea sang under her maiden name, but often used the spelling 'Maria' for her first name, as she continued to do throughout her career.

Marea also wrote poetry, fiction and interviews for newspapers and for her own books from a young age. Several of her children's books were published in English and in German, Dutch and Swedish translation, including Australian adventure, Perilous journey : a story of adventure in Elizabethan times, The enchanted pancakes : a fairy tale for children, and The enchanted snakes.

In the 1950s and 1960s the Prerauers translated into German works of Australian literature, including Patrick White's Riders in the chariot (at White's request) and numerous plays, including Ray Lawler's Summer of the seventeenth doll, which was subsequently performed in Germany and Austria. Curt and Marea also wrote a series of radio talks on Australian culture for West German radio.

After returning to Australian permanently, and moving into their new home in Castle Cove in 1960, the Prerauers wrote articles on cultural and musical topics, individually for various publications and together under the name C.M. Prerauer for Nation. The Prerauers promoted the development of a uniquely Australian style of music, and established connections and friendships with emerging Australian composers and musicians including Peter Sculthorpe, Roger Woodward, Richard Meale and Richard Divall.

Following Curt's death in November 1967 Marea continued to write reviews for various magazines and newspapers. In 1971 she started an arts gossip columns under the name 'Musetta' for The Sunday Australian, a column which she carried to other newspapers. In 1975 she became the first Arts Editor of The Australian, a position which she held until 1991. From 1991 to 1999 Marea wrote an arts gossip column under the byline 'Marietta' for The Bulletin, and from the late 1990s until 2006 contributed reviews to Opera magazine.

Biographical Reference(s)

John Carmody, Warren A. Bebbington, 'Prerauer, Kurt (Curt) (1901 - 1967)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 16, Melbourne University Press, 2002, pp 28-29. Also available online at www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A160033b.htm

Frank Devine, 'Lifetime on and off the stage', The Australian, 31 May 2006.

Diana Simmonds, 'Maria Prerauer, 1922 - 2006', The Bulletin, 7 June 2006.

Evan Williams, 'Excellence in words and music', Sydney Morning Herald, 15 June 2006.

Item Descriptions

Series 1. Correspondence of Curt and Marea Prerauer, 1933-1969

Comprises a wide range of letters sent to and from Curt and Marea, separately and together, including with publishers and editors, with authors and composers such as Patrick White and Peter Sculthorpe, from members of the public in response to their music and theatre reviews, and correspondence on household administrative matters. Some letters are in German.

Most of Marea's correspondence following Curt's death in November 1967 is contained in Series 5. Some files in this series do include correspondence from after Curt's death.

Small amounts of correspondence are also contained in most other series, including series on Curt and Marea's writing and translation (Series 3 and 4), papers relating to Marea's singing career (Series 6), Marea's files relating to arts bodies (Series 9), and family papers of each (Series 10 and 11).

Correspondence, 1934-1949, 1964 (File 1_2)

Mostly of Curt. Includes correspondence with: the ABC and the NSW Conservatorium of Music; Frank Forde and John Curtin regarding the ABC; musicians, including Leo Blech, Eugene Goossens, Peggy Glanville-Hicks and Lotte Lehman; and Dal Stivens of the Department of Information.

Correspondence, 1936-1949 (File 3)

Correspondence of Curt, including with Florence Austral, Joseph Post, Hans Zander, and Gertrude Johnson (pertaining to the National Theatre Movement).

Correspondence, 1948-1967 (File 4)

Includes correspondence with Eugene Goossens, letter from Benjamin Britten, and some family correspondence of Curt.

Correspondence, 1939-1950 (File 5_6)

Mostly Marea's correspondence with publishers regarding her fiction works for children.

Correspondence, 1954-1960 (File 7)

Mostly relating to Marea's musical career.

Correspondence, 1959 (File 8)

Marea's mother's letters to Curt and Marea overseas.

Correspondence, 1954-1959 (File 9)

Includes much with William James.

Correspondence, 1953-1957 (File 10_11)

Mostly with opera companies and managers.

Correspondence with individuals, A-G, 1959-1967 (File 12)

Includes Alfred Brondel, Roger Covell, Dean Dixon and George Dreyfus.

Correspondence with individuals, H-M, 1958-1967 (File 13)

Includes Robert Helpmann, Peter Heyworth, Keith Humble, Charles Mackerras, and Richard Meale.

Correspondence with individuals, R-Z, 1958-1967 (File 14)

Includes Hal Porter and Roger Woodward.

Correspondence with organisations, 1958-1967 (File 15)

Includes with newspapers and publishers, International Society for Contemporary Music, Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies, Goethe Institute, NSW Arts Council, Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust, British Council.

Correspondence, 1959-1967 (File 16)

Mostly between Curt and the ABC.

Correspondence with Peter Sculthorpe, 1962-1966 (File 17_18)

Business correspondence, 1957-1966 (File 19_20)

Mostly between Curt and publishers.

Correspondence, 1949-1964 (File 21)

Mostly relating to Marea's engagements in Germany and books. Includes letters of recommendation for Marea from Otto Klemperer, Elrich Kleiber and Adrian Boult. Includes press cuttings.

Correspondence, 1959-1967 (File 22)

Various personal correspondence.

Correspondence, 1959-1967 (File 23_24)

Mostly in German. Includes correspondence and typescripts relating to the discovery of 30 letters of Richard Strauss in Sydney in 1961.

German correspondence, 1933, 1956-1967 (File 25)

German correspondence, 1957-1967 (File 26)

Correspondence relating to radio and royalties, 1956-1966 (File 27)

Mostly in German. Includes contracts.

Correspondence with European radio stations, 1956-1968 (File 28)

Correspondence with publishers, 1960-1969 (File 29_30)

Correspondence, 1966-1968 (File 31)

Includes letter from Marea to Roger Woodward regarding Curt's death.

Correspondence and other papers regarding household matters, 1960-1968 (File 32_33)

Mostly relating to the Prerauers' house at Castlecrag, including architectural plans.

Correspondence and other papers relating to medical, household, legal and financial matters, 1957-1966 (File 34)

Correspondence, 1959-1967 (File 35)

Series 2. Sheet music, c.1920-1973

Comprises manuscripts of music written by Curt Preraurer, and published music owned by the Prerauers. Some are annotated and have been used in performance. Also includes some scores sent to the Prerauers, from Australian composers, including Peter Sculthorpe and Richard Meale.

This material was in little order upon receipt, and authorship of some pieces is unclear.

Various manuscript scores, some by Curt, c.1920-c.1950 (File 1)

Various manuscript scores, some by Curt, c.1920-c.1950 (File 2)

Scores of works by Peter Sculthorpe, 1955-1966 (File 3)

Includes Pianoforte sonatina, Irkanda I, String trio : the loneliness of Bunjil, Sun music for orchestra, Sonatina, Night-piece and String quartet no. 6. Also includes four programs and articles on Sculthorpe.

Scores of Nocturnes and Coruscations by Richard Meale, c.1967-c.1974 (File 4)

Nocturnes dedicated to 'Curt and Maria Prerauer'. Includes note 'Maria - For the debut of 'Nocturnes' recording. Nov. 22 1974 Balmain.'

Various published and copied scores, 1940-1973 (File 5)

Includes Weerinbrinalli by Lucia Rees, Plum Tree composed by Linda Phillips, Alban Berg by Peter Altenberg, Vier Lieder by Heinrich Sutermeister, Krämerspiegel Op. 66 by Richard Strauss, Improvisation sur mallarmé by Pierre Boulez, Fönf Sinnspröche Omars des Zeltmachers by Friedrich Rosen, Fantasias for string trio by Felix Werder, Die lider des anglers by Rudolf Wagner-Régeny, Dier Lieder by Boris Blacher, Le Vin and Der Wein by Alban Berg, Tirade by Don Banks, Nembutal Rock by Moya Henderson, On the afternoon of the pigsty by Alison Bauld, Tone Roads by AZ Music, Crucifixus et resurrexit by Claudio Monteverdi, Two songs for female voices Op. 8 by Eric Gross, Calligrammes by Francis Poulenc, and Crisis : thoughts in a city by Barry Conyngham.

Various published and copied scores, 1926-1963 (File 6)

Includes Sinfonietta by Eric Gross, Haj naa'lajim by I. Engel, Ashirah nalididi by Theodor I. Schoenberger, Song of the locus by Alfred Hill, Five songs of happiness by John Antill, A ship, an isle, a sickle moon by Linda Phillips, On the night train by Varney Monk, To a bunch of heather by Varney Monk, Wozzeck by Alban Berg, Five songs by Wagner, Song album for high voice and piano by Richard Strauss, Unto the Lord by Beethoven, Duo for violin and viola by Dorian le Gallienne, Australian war song by John D. Saylor, Trepak, Bar yochai by A. Davidovitz, and Ata hamakabi by I. Engel.

Partial score of Wozzeck by Alban Berg, c.1925 (File 7)

Score of Symphonie No. 2 by Johannes Brahms, 1920 (File 8)

Score of Elijah by Felix Mendelssohn, c.1920 (File 9)

Scores of Punch and Judy by Harrison Birtwistle, and Lieder und Gesängeby Brecht / Dessau, c.1963 (File 10)

Songs of all nations, c.1940 (File 11)

The midsummer marriage by Michael Tippett, 1954 (File 12)

Libretto and notes for Lindy, by Moya Henderson and Judith Rodriguez, 2001 (File 13)

Various published scores, titles unclear, c.1930-c.1960 (File 14)

Lists and valuation of music in the Prerauer's collection, 1960-1968 (File 15)

Series 3. Musical criticism and cultural writings of Curt and Marea Prerauer, 1937-1973

Comprises scripts for radio talks, mostly given in (West) Germany and other cultural writings, many on Australian musical and cultural life, reviews of music and books, drafts for a book on music, some business correspondence, and a small amount of autobiographical writing by Curt. Much material has shared authorship, such as reviews written under the name C.M. Prerauer, ie Curt Marea Prerauer.

This series primarily comprises material written during Curt's lifetime, but a small number of papers in some files were created as late as 1973.

German radio scripts, 1954-1958 (File 1_2)

Includes talks on the Sydney Opera House and John Antill's Corroboree.

Radio scripts and stories, c.1957-1958 (File 3_4)

Mostly handwritten and typescript radio scripts in German, some in English. Includes several short stories in German and English by Marea.

Articles, radio scripts, stories and translations, c.1950s-1961 (File 5_6)

Mostly in German. Includes translations of Hal Porter, Dal Stivens and Charles Higham.

German radio scripts, 1956-1963 (File 7)

German radio scripts, 1956-1966 (File 8)

Includes talks on Patrick White.

Articles and radio scripts, c.1965-1973 (File 9)

Articles by Curt and Marea, mostly in German, possibly for radio.

Articles and radio scripts, c.1960-c.1967 (File 10)

Mostly in German.

Musical criticism, radio scripts and translations, c.1966-1967 (File 11_12)

Some in German.

Reports and talks by Curt, 1937-1947 (File 13)

Mostly on music in Australia. Includes Curt's 1937 report about the ABC, and a 1941 talk to the Manly Rotary Club on Germans and Nazis.

Articles and radio scripts, 1956-1965 (File 14_16)

Includes duplicates of lectures for German radio, and some English language articles including on Richard Meale.

Musical criticism and correspondence with publishers, 1960-1967 (File 17_18)

Also includes brief curriculum vitae of Curt, notes on translation, including of Waltzing Matilda.

Research notes on Australian composers, 1965-1973 (File 19)

Includes one press release for the Australian Council for the Arts, 1973.

Notes and drafts for musical criticism and other writing, c.1960-1967 (File 20_21)

Book reviews by Marea, 1954-1967 (File 22)

Mostly typescripts, with some cuttings

Reviews for The Bulletin, 1963-1970 (File 23)

Handwritten and typescript. Also includes some correspondence.

Miscellaneous typescript pages of reviews, c.1960s (File 24)

Five pages.

Unpublished musical treatise by Curt Prerauer, c.1947 (File 25_26)

An unconventional approach to music'. Also includes letter from Eugene Goossens regarding writing a preface for the book.

Drafts for book on music by Curt and Marea, c.1960s (File 27)

Small number of annotated typescript pages.

Draft autobiography by Curt, n.d. (File 28)

Handwritten. Also includes copies of 1933 letters of recommendation for Curt from Wilhelm Furtwangler and Leo Blech.

Drafts of 'Das haben wir in Italien gesehen' ('We saw that in Italy'), c.1950s (File 29_33)

Annotated typescripts in German.

Drafts of 'Fruchtbare unfruchtbarkeit heutiges Australien' by Curt, c.1960-c.1967 (File 34)

Series 4. Translations, c.1957-1969

Curt and Marea Prerauer translated into German several works of Australian literature and theatre, including Ray Lawler's Summer of the seventeenth doll, Patrick White's Riders in the chariot and Australian poetry. This series comprises drafts and some correspondence relating to the translation work.

Correspondence with Patrick White, 1961-1965 (File 1_2)

Relates to the Prerauers' German translation of White's Riders in the chariot. Also includes some correspondence with Curtis Brown regarding the translation.

Correspondence with publishers relating to translation of Riders in the chariot, 1962-1969 (File 3)

Mostly with German publishers. Also contains related correspondence and documents, including letter from Patrick White, contract with publisher, and correspondence researching the translation.

Annotated typescript drafts of German translation of Riders in the chariot, 1962-1963 (File 4_8)

Original and translated works by Patrick White, c.1960s (File 9)

Relates to the German translations the Prerauers made of several works by White. Includes typescripts of Six urban songs in English, A Cheery soul in English and in translation, and A Season in Sarsparilla in translation.

Proof of translated Riders in the chariot, c.1968 (File 10)

Pages 201-268 only.

Articles and reviews pertaining to translation of Ray Lawler's Summer of the seventeenth doll, 1957-1959 (File 11_11a)

Mostly in German. Also includes copy of ABC radio guide for December 1966. Poster for performance of the play, 13 November 1957 at the Schlosspark Theatre removed and placed in folder 11a in elephant folio.

German reviews of Riders in the chariot, 1969 (File 12_13)

Sent to Marea by Patrick White.

Annotated proofs of translations of Australian poetry for Zeitgenossische Australische lyrik (1961), c.1960 (File 14)

Includes poems by Judith Wright, David Campbell, J.S. Manifold, Hal Porter, Rosemary Dobson, Ray Mathew and others.

Annotated proof of Curt and Marea Prerauer's introduction to Zeitgenossische Australische lyrik, c.1960 (File 15)

Includes translation of Waltzing Matilda.

Typescripts of translation of Summer of the seventeenth doll, c.1957 (File 16)

Series 5. Correspondence of Marea Prerauer, 1965-2001

The correspondence of Marea Prearauer after Curt's death in 1967 is mostly concerned with professional matters. In particular, much correspondence relates to Marea's position as Arts editor of The Australian, 1975-1991, as well as her columns and reviews for other publications, including The Bulletin.

Correspondence, including letters about Curt's death, 1965-1968 (File 1)

Includes some correspondence of Curt.

Business correspondence and contracts, mostly with German publishers, 1968-1983 (File 2)

Correspondence, including letters about Curt's death, 1968-1972 (File 3)

Includes some correspondence relating to the Australian Council for the Arts.

Correspondence with publishers and radio stations, 1968-1969 (File 4)

Includes speech notes.

Small notebook containing drafts of letters, c.1970 (File 5)

Correspondence and papers relating to adjudicating Australian Opera auditions, 1972 (File 6)

Letters pertaining to Brisbane, 1971-1975 (File 7)

Includes letters from Richard Divall, Larry Sitsky and Patrick Thomas.

Letters pertaining to Western Australia, 1972-1973 (File 8)

Correspondence relating to opera, 1971-1975 (File 9)

Includes source letters for gossip column 'Marietta', and letters from Richard Divall.

Miscellaneous loose material, 1970-1971 (File 10)

Includes correspondence and cuttings regarding Patrick Thomas and Roger Woodward, photographs of Clifford Grant in various productions, and a note from Peter Sculthorpe.

Correspondence, 1973-1974 (File 11)

Includes source letters for and responses to the Marietta column and reviews by Marea, and letters from Larry Sitsky, Don Banks, and Barry Humphries.

Correspondence, 1973 (File 12)

Three letters, including one from Don Banks, describing his reasons for staying in Australia.

Correspondence with Grove's dictionary of music and musicians, 1974-1976 (File 13)

Correspondence, 1974-1975 (File 14)

Includes source letters for and responses to the Marietta column and reviews by Marea, and letters from Roger Woodward, Georg Tintner, Richard Divall and Richard Wherrett.

Correspondence, 1975-1979 (File 15_16)

Includes source letters for and responses to the Marietta column and reviews by Marea, and letters from Roger Woodward, Larry Sitsky, Richard Divall and Patrick Thomas. Also includes two letters from Patrick White terminating their friendship.

Correspondence with Lady Mary Fairfax, 1979 (File 17)

Also includes papers relating to the Art Gallery of NSW.

Correspondence relating to the Australian Opera, 1974-1982 (File 18_20)

Includes letters and clippings. Mostly relates to Joan Sutherland and Richard Bonynge.

Two letters and article about Joan Sutherland, 1981 (File 21)

Includes letter about Sutherland as a child.

Odds and ends' correspondence, 1980-1989 (File 22)

Much relating to Arts editorship of the Australian. Includes letter from Roger Woodward.

Notes on Czech musician Přemysl Kočí sent to Marea, 1981 (File 23)

Correspondence, 1986-1988 (File 24)

Mostly relating to Arts editorship of the Australian. Includes letters from Roger Woodward, Vincent Buckley and Graham Powning,

Correspondence and personal papers, 1984-1990, 1999-2000 (File 25_26)

Mostly 1980s, with correspondence 1999-2000 regarding the Australian Dictionary of Biography entry for Curt Prerauer. Includes correspondence with Di Yerbury, speech notes about Marietta, and personal papers such as travel documents.

Correspondence, 1977-1991 (File 27_29)

Mostly 1980s-1990s correspondence relating to the Arts editorship of the Australian. Includes letters from Leo Schofield, Richard Divall, Trafford Whitelock, and Kathleen Norris.

Farewell card from staff at The Australian upon Marea's retirement, 1991 (File 30)

Cover features caricature of Marea by Max Foley.

Letters and cuttings regarding Marea's retirement from The Australian, 1991 (File 31)

Correspondence, 1991-1998 (File 32)

Mostly relating to Marea's reviews and columns for The Australian, The Bulletin, and 24 Hours magazine.

Correspondence, 1997-1998 (File 33)

Small number of letters, including one from Senator Richard Alston.

Correspondence, 1996-2001 (File 34)

Mostly letters of congratulation to Marea for being awarded the Order of Australia in 2001.

Series 6. Singing career of Marea Prerauer, 1926-1981

Marea Prerauer had a successful career as a soprano in Europe in the 1950s, and sang under her maiden name, Marea Wolkowsky. This series comprises contracts, programs, Eisteddfod certificates and judging comments, cuttings of newspaper stories and reviews, some congratulatory correspondence and correspondence relating to auditions, some papers relating to Curt, and shared personal papers such as travel documents. Also includes recordings of Marea singing.

The programs were loose and have been roughly grouped chronologically

Contracts and correspondence, 1934-1956 (File 1)

Includes contracts and correspondence with Royal Opera House, Convent Garden, and for other singing engagements. Also contains some papers and correspondence relating to Curt, such as references, including from Adrian Boult.

Cuttings, programs and some correspondence, 1937-1953 (File 2_3)

Includes some cuttings relating to Curt.

Correspondence, programs, posters, contracts, Eistedfodd reports and cuttings, 1926-1981 (File 4_5)

Also includes travel documents for both Curt and Marea, photograph of Gwyneth Wolkowsky, and dance card for Gallipoli premiere ball. Folder 5a comprises a poster for performance at Landestheater Altenburg, 1929 (presumably belonging to Curt), and large poster advertising performance by Marea in the Netherlands in 1951. These oversized items have been placed in folder 5a and rehoused to elephant folio 1.

Cuttings of international performance reviews, 1950-1955 (File 6)

Eistedfodd program and certificates, 1937 (File 7)

Programs and ephemera relating to Marea's performances, 1931-1941 (File 8)

For performances in Australia. Some annotated by Marea or family members.

Programs and ephemera relating to Marea's performances, 1950-1957 (File 9)

For performances in Germany, London, and Glasgow.

Programs for Wozzeck, 1953 (File 10)

Marea performed as 'Marie' in Alban Berg's opera in 1953 at the Royal Opera House, Convent Gardens. Some copies annotated.

Programs and ephemera relating to Marea's performances, 1953-1960 (File 11)

For performances in Australia, Germany, Barcelona, Lisbon, London. Includes programs for Strauss's Elektra, Royal Opera House, Convent Gardens in 1953. Includes some cuttings.

Recordings of performances by Marea, 1953 (File 12)

Comprises four records of Marea performing in Wozzeck, 6 September 1953, and a reel recording of Marea in Elektra. Marea has marked 'sounds awful, tape badly damaged'.

Series 7. Creative writing of Marea Prerauer, 1929-c.1975

Comprises drafts and published versions of children's fiction and plays written by Marea Prerauer, who wrote fiction under her maiden name, Marea Wolkowsky. Some drafts are in German. Dates assigned to much material are approximate.

Various early writings, c.1930-c.1940 (File 1-3)

Includes typescript and handwritten stories, and some juvenilia and cuttings.

Scrapbook containing typescript of story 'The little tree', 1929-1938 (File 4)

Also contains German newspaper cuttings.

Manuscript 'Perilous journey', c.1940-c.1945 (File 5_6)

Typescripts of 'Perilous journey' or 'Elizabethan adventure', c.1940-c.1947 (File 7_9)

Typescripts of 'Perilous journey', c.1940-c.1947 (File 10_11)

Manuscript of 'Knight on a broomstick', c.1940-c.1945 (File 12_13)

Typescripts of 'Knight on a broomstick', c.1940-c.1945 (File 14_17)

Typescripts of 'Knight on a broomstick', c.1940-c.1945 (File 18_19)

Typescript of 'Knight on a broomstick', c.1940-c.1945 (File 20_21)

Manuscript of 'Adventure bound', c.1940-c.1960 (File 22_23)

Typescripts of 'Adventure bound', c.1940-c.1960 (File 24_29)

Manuscript 'Waratah Inn', c.1940-c.1960 (File 30)

Typescripts 'Waratah Inn', c.1945-c.1960 (File 31_32)

Mansucript 'Wandi : the story of a little Aborigine', c.1940-c.1960 (File 33)

Typescripts of 'Elizabethan adventure', 'Der kleine baum', 'The little tree', and 'Chloe', c.1940-c.1960 (File 34)

Typescripts of 'The magic music', 'Sputnik', 'The search for the bellbird', c.1940-c.1960 (File 35)

Typescripts of 'The search for the bell bird', 'Ein Australisches marchen', and 'Waratah Inn', c.1940-c.1960 (File 36)

Typescripts of 'The three sisters', 'The search for the bellbird', and 'The magic wattles', c.1940-c.1960 (File 37)

Typescripts of 'The little tree', 'The enchanted forest' or 'The young artist of Casmena', and 'Wandi', c.1940-c.1960 (File 38)

Manuscript of 'The scarlet bow', c.1940-c.1960 (File 39)

Typescript of 'The scarlet bow', c.1940-c.1960 (File 40_41)

Typescripts of 'Farewell to music', c.1940-c.1960 (File 42_43)

Typescripts of 'Australian adventure', c.1940-c.1960 (File 44_47)

Annotated typescript of 'Under the Southern Cross', c.1940-c.1960 (File 48)

Typescripts of 'Under the Southern Cross', c.1940-c.1960 (File 49_50)

Manuscripts and typescripts of 'Max's magic monster' or 'The mystery of our monster', c.1940-c.1965 (File 51_53)

Typescripts of 'Spiky urchin and Neddy Noddiwink', 'The enchanted forest' or 'The young artist of Casmena', 'Der flug eines falken', and 'The magic wattles', c.1940-c.1960 (File 54)

Typescripts of 'The black cockatoo', 'The three sisters', and 'The kookaburra who lost his laugh', c.1940-c.1960 (File 55)

Manuscript and typescript stories, including 'Clothes do not make the man', c.1940-c.1960 (File 56)

Also includes some newspaper cuttings.

Typescript of play set in colonial Sydney, c.1940-c.1965 (File 57)

Annotate typescript of play 'Ducks', by Marea Prerauer and Peter Williams, c.1974-c.1975 (File 58)

Also includes some newspaper cuttings.

Annotated typescripts of 'Neues Australienbuch', c.1950-c.1965 (File 59)

Also includes copy of Marea's will, 1964.

Various early writings, including radio plays, c.1934-c.1950 (File 60)

Also includes some correspondence, Eisteddfod report, poems, and cuttings

Various early writings, including notebook with story drafts, c.1938-c.1946 (File 61)

Also includes poems, negatives, and a visitors book.

Two notebooks containing story drafts, c.1940-c.1960 (File 62_63)

Various manuscript and typescript drafts, c.1940-c.1960 (File 64_65)

Manuscripts and annotated typescript drafts of stories, and reviews of Marea's books, c.1940-c.1960 (File 66)

Also includes poems, newspaper cuttings including articles by Curt, and copies of Tempo magazine

Markers for Marea's original filing system for her fiction, c.1940-c.1970 (File 67)

Published copies of Australian adventure and Perilous journey, 1947-1965 (File 68_69)

Comprises one copy of Perilous journey (1947), two copies of hardback English language Australian adventure (1965), one copy paperback English language Australian adventure (1968), one copy Swedish language Australian adventure (1963), one copy German language Australian adventure (1961).

Series 8. Journalism by Marea Prerauer, 1955-1997

This small series comprises typescripts and notes for reviews, research files, and notes for speeches.

Annotated typescripts for newspaper articles and columns, c.1972 (File 1_5)

Scripts of speeches, c.1975 (File 6)

Includes 'Writing with barbed wire - the confessions of a music critic', delivered to the National Council of Women, 1975, and an undated talk on Wozzeck.

Typescripts of articles and reports for The Sunday Australian, The Australian, 24 Hours magazine and Opera magazine, 1976-1982 (File 7)

Also includes some business correspondence.

Drafts and research notes for articles and interviews, 1955-1997 (File 8)

Notes and articles on David Helfgott, 1997 (File 9)

Series 9. Marea Preruaer's papers on Australian arts bodies, 1971-1996

Comprises correspondence and other papers on the Australian Council for the Arts, the Australian Opera, the Elizabethan Theatre Trust, ABC orchestras and the NSW Conservatorium of Music. Marea had official roles on committees for some organisations, but many of her interactions were in her capacity as an arts critic.

This series has been arranged roughly by organisation and chronologically. Related correspondence can be found in Series 1 and Series 5.

Correspondence and reports relating to the Australian Council for the Arts and Opera Australia, 1971-1976 (File 1)

Includes correspondence relating to an award for writing on the arts in 1971, and articles and reports on the Sydney Opera House and the Australian Opera.

Correspondence and cuttings relating to the Australian Council for the Arts, 1973 (File 2)

Includes correspondence regarding the Australian National Anthem Quest, the 1971 arts writing award, and other Australian Council for the Arts matters. Includes correspondence from Gough Whitlam and H.C. Coombs.

Papers relating to the National Critics' Awards Committee / National Critics' Circle, 1975-1977 (File 3)

Includes correspondence, cuttings and minutes.

Papers relating to the Australia Council, mostly to the Music Board, 1971-1975 (File 4)

Correspondence regarding articles published by Marea about the Australia Council, 1983 (File 5)

Includes correspondence to, form and about Di Yerbury and Donald Horne.

Papers relating to the Australian Opera, 1971-1975 (File 6_7)

Includes correspondence, reports, articles, programs and cuttings.

Papers relating to Australian Opera funding, 1982-1985 (File 8_9)

Mostly documents about private and public campaigns about the Australian Opera and its funding. Includes a small amount of correspondence.

Policy documents relating to the Australian Opera, the Australia Council, the Elizabethan Theatre Trust and ABC orchestras, 1983-1985 (File 10_11)

Mostly relates to Australian Opera funding. Includes some correspondence.

Papers relating to the Australian Opera, 1985-1986 (File 12)

Includes cuttings of Marea's articles and other material related to the Australian Opera financial crisis, comments over staff drinking, and the appointment of Donald McDonald.

Reviews, notes and ephemera on opera, 1991-1996 (File 13_16)

Mostly comprises cuttings of Marea's reviews.

Reviews and notes on opera, 1994-1995 (File 17)

Copy of report by Roger Woodward to Neville Wran on the NSW Conservatorium of Music, c.1981 (File 18)

Series 10. Family papers of Curt Prerauer, 1916-1968

Much of this series comprises correspondence between family members and with legal advisers and the Australian government regarding claims for compensation for the family's shoe factory in Kamienogora, Poland (formerly Landeshut, Schlesien, Germany) which was seized by the German government prior to World War II. Many documents are in German.

Personal papers of Curt, 1924-c.1951 (File 1)

Small amount of papers relating to Curt Prerauer's family and career. Includes cuttings, postcard from Leo Blech, and photograph, possibly of Prerauer's father.

Family papers, mostly relating to claims for restitution of property, 1916-1952, 1967 (File 2_4)

Mainly correspondence, including between family members and of Curt's parents Felix and Gertrud Prerauer, including with Dr Richard Israel Marcuse, a Berlin-based consultant legal for Jewish people, and with London-based barrister Professor E.J. Cohn and other legal advisers, and the (Australian) Department of External Affairs.

Also contains some original documents regarding ownership of property in Germany (later Poland) and personal official documents relating to migration to Australia.

Family papers, mostly relating to claims for restitution of property, 1959-1962 (File 5)

Bulk comprises correspondence with London-based barrister Professor E.J. Cohn, and Sydney-based solicitors, H.G. Levi and Co.

Family papers, mostly relating to claims for restitution of property, 1956-1962 (File 6_9)

Bulk comprises corresponence between Curt and his brother Hilary Pryer.

Family papers, mostly relating to claims for restitution of property, 1956, 1963-1968 (File 10_11)

Mainly correspondence with E.J. Cohn.

Family papers, mostly relating to claims for restitution of property, 1933, 1952-1959 (File 12_13)

Series 11. Juvenilia and family papers of Marea Prerauer, 1926-1950

Comprises school reports and newsletters, family letters and memorabilia, and school magazines.

Family correspondence, ephemera and cuttings, 1926-1950 (File 1_2)

Comprises mostly correspondence between Marea and her grandmother. Also includes some creative writing by Marea.

School certificates, correspondence, creative writing manuscripts and cuttings, 1934-1945 (File 3)

Family correspondence, creative writing manuscripts and Eisteddfod certificates, 1936-1938 (File 4)

Five copies of The Babbler, the magazine of the North Sydney Girls' High School, 1936-1941 (File 5)

Series 12. Photographs, c.1910-c.1991

Comprises Curt and Marea's family and personal photograph, photographs of Marea in opera roles, and some photographs of composers and actors.

There was little order to the photographs when received. Most are unannotated, so photographs relating to the Wolkowsky and Prerauer families are housed together.

Curt and Marea's family and personal photographs, c.1910-c.1982 (File 1_3a)

Includes photographs of members of the Wolkowsky and Prerauer families, unidentified holiday photographs, photographs of Curt and Marea together and separately, and photographs of their home. Two oversized portraits of Marea c.1976 are housed in folder 3a, in folio box 60.

Marea's career photographs, c.1932-c.1991 (File 4_6)

Includes portraits of Marea, photographs in costume and with cast members in various operas, including Elektra, and photographs of Marea's retirement from The Australian.

Photographs of Roger Woodward, Pierre Bowley, Jerzy Romaniuk, Karlheinz Stockhausen in rehearsals, 1972 (File 7)

Also includes one photograph of Clifford Grant in Hagen, San Francisco Opera, 1972.

Series 13. Publications, ephemera, cuttings, press releases collected by Curt and Marea Prerauer, 1869-1998

This series comprises material about or by Curt and Marea, collected by them, or sent to Marea in her role as critic. Some items are annotated or signed.

Newspaper cuttings about the Prerauers, family correspondence, creative writing and radio talks by Marea, and programs, 1911-1972 (File 1_3)

Includes Curt's 'Opera House letter' to the Sydney Morning Herald, published 27 February 1967, and copies of correspondence between the Prerauers and the Australian Military Mission, Berlin, 1954-1955.

Programs, newsletters, newspaper cuttings and other publications, 1933-1967 (File 4)

Includes several editions of Anglo-German Centre newsletter Die Bröcke.

Opera program, and reference paper on Australian art by Alan McCulloch, 1941-1957 (File 5)

Newspaper cuttings, 1961-1964 (File 6)

Publications, 1967-1994 (File 7)

The Bulletin, June 17, 1994; report of symposium 'Opera and the Australian composer', 1973; Vogue Australia January 1994.

Newspaper cuttings and press releases, 1995-1998 (File 8)

Punch magazine, 18 May 1910 (File 9)

King Edward VIII : Mr Punch's Loyal Tribute'.

Editions of Nation magazine - some annotated, mostly full copies, 1958-1972 (File 10_20)

These are not a full run of Nation but most issues for some years.

Miscellaneous books and programs, 1869-1998 (File 21_23)

Series 14. Published writings of Curt and Marea Prerauer, 1933-1969

Together and separately, the Prerauers wrote reviews, articles and columns for various publications, mostly music criticism but also on literature and culture more broadly. This series comprises cuttings, including the reviews the Prerauers wrote together for Nation. Curt also published music reviews in various other publications, including Progress, Wireless Weekly, The Broadcaster, ABC Weekly, The New Citizen and Tempo.

Marea's published writing from after Curt's death are contained in Series 14. Copies of some of her fiction books are contained in Series 7. Some cuttings of their work in Series 13.

Cuttings of musical criticism by Curt Prerauer for various publications, 1933-1951 (File 1_2)

Cuttings of musical criticism by Curt for various publications, 1937-1949 (File 3)

Cuttings of Curt's musical criticism for Tempo, 1946-1949 (File 4_5)

Also includes some full copies of Tempo.

Cuttings of Curt's musical criticism for Tempo, 1946-1949 (File 6)

Cuttings of reviews and articles by Curt and Marea, 1950-1969 (File 7_9)

Labelled 'C. & M. Prerauer's most distinguished works'. Comprises mostly their music reviews in Nation, 1961-1969, and some reviews in other publications such as Musical Courier.

Cuttings of musical criticism, mostly by Curt, for various publications including The Sun, 1961-1968 (File 10_11)

Cuttings of musical criticism by Curt for various publications, 1959-1966 (File 12)

Comprises mostly Nation cuttings.

Full copies of journals containing articles by Curt, 1947-1965 (File 13_15)

Includes Österreichische Musikzeitschrift, Gehört-gelesen, Kosmos, Vision, Erdkunde in der schule, Architectural Science Review, and Opera.

Series 15. Marea Prerauer's writings, published, 1963-2005

Comprises cuttings from Nation,The Sunday Australian, The Australian, and The Bulletin.

Includes Marea's musical criticism, arts gossip columns, book reviews and interviews. Marea also kept full runs of the Arts section of The Australian, which she edited, 1976-1991.

Cuttings from various publications including Nation and The Sun, 1969-1972 (File 1)

Cuttings from The Sunday Australian, 1971 (File 2)

Cuttings from The Sunday Australian, 1972 (File 3)

Cuttings from The Sunday Telegraph and The Sunday Australian, 1973 (File 4)

Cuttings from The Sunday Telegraph, 1973-1974 (File 5)

Cuttings from The Sunday Telegraph, 1974-1975 (File 6)

Cuttings from the Daily Telegraph, 1974-1975 (File 7)

Cuttings from various publications, including The Weekend Australian, 1988-1990 (File 8)

Cuttings of features on Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti and Jose Carreras, 1987-1991 (File 9)

Cuttings from The Australian, 1988-1993 (File 10)

Cuttings from The Australian and The Australian Magazine, 1988-1994 (File 11)

Cuttings from various publications including The Sun Herald, BMW, The Australian Magazine, 24 Hours, HQ, The Bulletin, and The Bugle, 1991-1998 (File 12)

News Limited files of Marea's articles for The Daily Telegraph, The Australian and The Weekend Australian, 1972-1978 (File 13)

News Limited files of Marea's articles for The Australian and The Weekend Australian, 1979-1982 (File 14)

News Limited files of Marea's articles for The Australian and The Weekend Australian, 1984-1986 (File 15)

Cuttings from The Bulletin, 1963-1971 (File 16)

Cuttings and proofs of 'Marietta' columns for The Bulletin, 1995-1996 (File 17)

Cuttings of 'Marietta' columns for The Bulletin, 1993-1998 (File 18)

Cuttings of 'Marietta' columns for The Bulletin, 1994-1999 (File 19)

Cuttings of articles for The Bulletin, 1991-2000 (File 20)

Includes the last 'Marietta' column in March 1999.

Editions of Opera magazine containing contributions by Marea, 2000-2005 (File 21)

Three miscellaneous publications with contributions by Marea, 1976-1993 (File 22)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, August 1975 - March 1976 (File 23)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, April 1976 - July 1976 (File 24)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, August 1976 - November 1976 (File 25)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, December 1976 - April 1977 (File 26)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, May 1977 - August 1977 (File 27)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, September 1977 - February 1978 (File 28)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, March 1978 - June 1978 (File 29)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, July 1978 - September 1978 (File 30)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, October 1978 - March 1979 (File 31)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, April 1979 - August 1979 (File 32)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, September 1979 - December 1979 (File 33)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, January 1980 - June 1980 (File 34)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, July 1980 - September 1980 (File 35)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, October 1980 - March 1981 (File 36)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, April 1981 - July 1981 (File 37)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, August 1981 - December 1981 (File 38)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, January 1982 - March 1982 (File 39)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, April 1982 - July 1982 (File 40)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, August 1982 - November 1982 (File 41)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, December 1982 - February 1983 (File 42)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, March 1983 - June 1983 (File 43)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, July 1983 - September 1983 (File 44)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, October 1983 - January 1984 (File 45)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, February 1984 - April 1984 (File 46)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, May 1984 - August 1984 (File 47)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, September 1984 - December 1984 (File 48)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, January 1985 - April 1985 (File 49)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, May 1985 - August 1985 (File 50)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, September 1985 - January 1986 (File 51)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, February 1986 - June 1986 (File 52)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, July 1986 - November 1986 (File 53)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, December 1986 - April 1987 (File 54)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, May 1987 - October 1987 (File 55)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, November 1987 - April 1988 (File 56)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, May 1988 - August 1988 (File 57)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, September 1988 - January 1989 (File 58)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, February 1989 - June 1989 (File 59)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, July 1989 - September 1989 (File 60)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, September 1989 - December 1989 (File 61)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, January 1990 - April 1990 (File 62)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, April 1990 - July 1990 (File 63)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, August 1990 - October 1990 (File 64)

Cuttings of Arts section of The Australian, November 1990 - May 1991 (File 65)

Container List

Series Folders/Pieces Box
1 1-10 1
1 11-20 2
1 21-30 3
1 31-35 4
2 5, 8-9, 11 4
2 1-4 Folio Box 5
2 6-7, 10, 14 Folio Box 6
2 12-13, 15 7
3 1-5 7
3 6-14 8
3 15-24 9
3 25-34 10
4 1-10 11
4 11, 12-16 12
4 11a HW Map Drawer 23
5 1-3 12
5 4-13 13
5 14-23 14
5 24-29, 31-34 15
5 30 Folio Box 60
6 1-5, 6-10 16
6 5a HW Map Drawer 23
6 11 17
6 12 Folio Box 60
7 1-9 17
7 10-19 18
7 20-30 19
7 31-41 20
7 42-51 21
7 52-62 22
7 63-69 23
8 1-9 24
9 1-2 24
9 3-12 25
9 13-18 26
10 1-4 26
10 5-13 27
11 1-5 28
12 1-3, 4-5 28
12 3a Folio Box 60
12 6-7 29
13 1-9 29
13 10-14 30
13 15-18 31
13 19-23 32
14 1-9 33
14 10-15 34
15 1-4 35
15 5-10 36
15 11-14 37
15 15-18 38
15 19-22 39
15 23-25 40
15 26-27 41
15 28-29 42
15 30-31 43
15 32-33 44
15 34-35 45
15 36-37 46
15 38-40 47
15 41-43 48
15 44-46 49
15 47-48 50
15 49-50 51
15 51-52 52
15 53-54 53
15 55 54
15 56-57 55
15 58-59 56
15 60-62 57
15 63-64 58
15 65 59

Top