Ray Fitch Memoirs
Scope and Content Note
These memoirs were written by Fitch's son, Raymond W. "Bill" Fitch and are subtitled, "A Musical Biography." In this 481-page, double-spaced typescript (unpublished), Fitch recorded anecdotes and recollections of his father's career arranged chronologically by conductor. In addition to telling his father's story, Fitch also sought to "humanize" musicians and to show a glimpse of their "fascinating and diversified personalities."
Dates
- undated: ca. 1925-1972
Language of Materials
English
Restrictions on Access
The collection is open and available for use by researchers in the Andersen Library Reading Room.
Restrictions on Use
The author retains copyright to these memoirs.
Biographical Note
Ray Fitch studied the bass with musicians from the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra during his youth in St. Paul. He began his career with the M.S.O. in 1925 as a bass player at the young age of 17. He also played first saxaphone in the Symphony. In 1938-39 he became principal bass player, a post he retained until 1970. He retired from the Orchestra in 1972.
Extent
1 box
Abstract
These memoirs, written by Ray Fitch's son, document Fitch's career as a bass player with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra/Minnesota Orchestra from 1925 to 1972.
Physical Location
Zone B, R6, D4, S15
Acquisition
Transferred to the archives in the mid 1990s.
Processing Information
The collection was processed and the finding aid written by Leslie Czechowski in April 2001.
- Double bassists -- United States -- Biography Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Fitch, Ray
- Fitch, Raymond W.
- Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra
- Minnesota Orchestra
- Title
- Ray Fitch Memoirs
- Author
- Finding aid created by Leslie Czechowski
- Date
- 13 May 2003
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- English
Collecting Area Details
Contact The Performing Arts Archives Collecting Area
