Davis, Richard Beattie, 1922-2008

Music collector.

Since the age of 17, Richard Beattie Davis was fascinated by music, particularly the Viennese piano music apotheosized by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert. He was also interested in piano music by Mozart's pupil, Johann Nepomuk Hummel, and Mozart's piano concertos, elaborated by Hummel, who wrote difficult cadenzas, compendium of Hummelian technique.

Davis' initial interest was aroused in the advance of early nineteenth century piano technique. The collection has its origins in 1943 when Mr. Davis, an officer in the British First Army in Algeria, found first editions of piano concertos of J.N. Hummel and John Field. Thus was born the nucleus of the antiquarian music collection as it exists today.

From the description of Richard Beattie Davis music collection, 1790-1920. (Florida Atlantic University). WorldCat record id: 50616644