Parvin Titus Collection
UA-05-09

Parvin Titus (1896-1973) was a noted organist and choir director in Cincinnati from 1924 until his retirement from Christ Church in 1962.  Born in New Jersey, he began his study of organ and piano while still in high school in Roselle Park, N.J.  He later studied at what was to become the Julliard School of Music.  Titus came to Cincinnati in 1924 to become the director of the organ department at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.  He was with the Conservatory (and then the University of Cincinnati) for more than 40 years.  In addition to his duties with the Conservatory, Titus was also employed as a church choirmaster, first with Church of the Advent in Walnut Hills and then, for 35 years, with Christ Church, from where he retired in 1962.

The papers here include news clippings on such topics as organs and organ music, articles (some by Titus), his publicity materials, correspondence, materials from his 25th Anniversary Celebration at Christ Church, as well as his research files on the construction/purchase of several organs for institutions around the city, including Music Hall and CCM. The collection is loosely arranged with clippings and articles first, then publicity and correspondence, followed by Christ Church materials, organ research, and lastly some brief information regarding his estate files.

Box 1:

1. Clippings on organs/organ music, publications, occasional music selections, 1925-1963
2. Etude articles, session notes, “Good Church Music – What it is and how our Congregations may assist in its advancement,” 1936-1937
3. Publicity files, 1931-1965
4. Correspondence, 1939-1967
5. 25th Anniversary at Christ Church (1927-1952), 1944-1952
6. Music Hall Organ – Research notes, specs, and article manuscript by Titus, 1933
7. “Bertha Baur Organ, Marchal, 1960 Recitals,” plans and correspondence regarding the building of a new organ for CCM, 1938-1972 (not inclusive)
8. Christ Church organ – correspondence, specs, and publications, 1957-1959, 1968
9. Glendale organ – research and correspondence, 1964-1968
10. Estate files, correspondence – regarding the disposition of Titus’ music books and sheet music, 1973