The National Central Library (NCL) has received a donation of six western rare books written by well-known musicians and composers including those of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann David Heinichen, and more. The rare collection of books was donated by the music director of the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), Jun Märkl, and a ceremony was held on Nov. 7 to mark the donation.
Jun Märkl shared that the collection consists of handwritten manuscripts such as music sheets and letters by composers; reproductions of original music manuscripts that contain the composer's handwriting as well as music theory books. A book that provides a detailed look into Baroque music in the 17th century is also included within, he added.
The list of titles includes "Handel Messias with instrumentation" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; "Anweisung zu vollkommener Erlernung des General-Basses" by Johann David Heinichen; "Tod und Verklärung" by Richard Strauss; "Trattato di musica secondo la vera scienza dell'armonia" by Giuseppe Tartini; "dictionnaire de Musique" by Jean-Jacques Rousseau; and "Storia della musica" by Giovanni Battista Martini.
At the donation ceremony, Jun Märkl also said that as the music director of NSO, his mission is not only to ensure the continuous improvement of the orchestra, but also to promote Taiwanese music culture. Over the past three decades, he has been collecting antique music books to gain a deeper insight into music, and he believes these books will help the next generation of Taiwanese to understand music better.
According to Culture Minister Lee Yung-te, when Jun Märkl first visited Taiwan, he drove around the island to learn more about Taiwanese culture. "He is a musician who is well-known internationally, and I believe under his leadership, NSO will work its way to showcase the musical culture of Taiwan on the world stage."
NCL Director General Tseng Shu-hsien (曾淑賢) added that Jun Märkl's donation is a great contribution to Taiwanese music and book lovers.
(Photo courtesy of NCL)