FACULTY COLLECTIONS
Billy Jim Layton Collection

Section from Billy Jim Layton's musical manuscript score Dance Fantasy , Op. 7, commissioned by the New Haven Symphony, c1964.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION    

Title
Billy Jim Layton Collection

Collection Number
UA 2219

OCLC Number
1401258176

Creator
Billy Jim Layton (1926-2004)

Provenance
The collection was donated in 2021 by Daphne Layton, daughter of Billy Jim Layton.

Extent, Scope, and Content Note
The collection comprises 24 linear ft. of music scores, sound recordings, manuscripts, correspondence, and related papers collected by or about Billy Jim Layton dating between 1946 and 2005. Most sound recordings were digitized for preservation purposes and to facilitate use. Access to the audio files is available through the University Libraries' Academic Commons. 

Arrangement and Processing Note
The collection is arranged in two series: Series 1 - Scores and Papers, and Series 2 - Sound Recordings. The items are primarily organized in the order in which they were received. In a few instances, separated items were interfiled.
All items have been rehoused in acid-free folders and archival boxes for long-term storage.
The collection was arranged and described by Kristen J. Nyitray and Lynn Toscano.
Finding aid by Kristen J. Nyitray, September 2023. 

Language
English 

Restrictions on Access
The collection is open to researchers without restriction.

Rights and Permissions
Stony Brook University Libraries' consent in providing access, as the physical owner of the collection, does not address copyright issues that may affect publication rights. It is the sole responsibility of the user of Special Collections and University Archives materials to investigate the copyright status of any given work and to seek and obtain permission where needed prior to publication.  

Citation
[Box number], [Item], Billy Jim Layton Collection, Special Collections and University Archives, Stony Brook University Libraries.

Biographical Note

Billy Jim Layton (1924-2004) was an innovative American composer who made significant contributions particularly during the 1950s and 1960s. Born in Corsicana, Texas, on November 14, 1924, he began his musical journey as a jazz saxophonist and clarinetist. His career took a different direction when he joined the Air Force and served in a B-29 bomber during World War II. After the war, Layton pursued formal musical education, studying at the New England Conservatory of Music. He then continued his studies at Yale University, where he obtained his master's degree in 1950. He had the opportunity to learn from notable composers like Quincy Porter. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. from Harvard in 1960, where he was mentored by Otto Gombosi in musicology and Walter Piston in composition.

Layton was known for his unique musical style, which he referred to as "new liberalism.” He described this style as “a new, rich, meaningful, varied, understandable, and vital music which maintains contact with the great cultural tradition of humanism in the West.” One of Layton's celebrated works, the "String Quartet," garnered acclaim from Eric Salzman of The New York Times in 1960. Salzman described it as "vital, startling, and overwhelming," as if it were breaking new ground in the genre.

In 1966, Billy Jim Layton became the first chairman of the music department at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, further solidifying his reputation in the field. Throughout his career, Layton's compositions showcased meticulous craftsmanship, sensitivity to timbre, and structural ingenuity. Layton's musical language was characterized by its integration of diverse techniques and influences, including metrical modulation, multiple ostinatos, free atonality, harmonic serialism, jazz improvisation, and blues chord changes. His compositions ranged from continuous processes to complex arrangements, combining both stasis and intense activity.

Billy Jim Layton's legacy endures as that of a composer who navigated the rich tradition of Western music while pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity. His music remains a testament to his ability to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, leaving a lasting impact on the world of composition.

Photo credit: Billy Jim Layton, undated, Stony Brook University Archives.

Subjects
Layton, Billy Jim, 1924-2004.
Layton, Billy Jim, 1924-2004 – Archives.
Stony Brook University – Faculty.
Composers – United States – 20th century.
Composition (Music) – Archival resources.
Music – United States – 20th century.
Music – Manuscripts.
College teachers – New York (State) – Stony Brook.

INVENTORY

SERIES 1: Scores and Papers

Box 1: folder 1, item 1
Title: Piano Quartet in One Movement
Parts: 4
Date: 1948

Box 1: folder 1, item 2
Title: String Quartet
Parts: 4
Date: 1949

Box 1: folder 1, item 3
Title: Chamber Suite
Parts: 5
Date: 1947

Box 1: folder 1, item 4
Title: Rounds for Jack's Birthday
Parts: 1
Date: 1957

Box 1: folder 2, item 1
Title: Double Fugue in G minor, 4 voices
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 2
Title: Exurge, Domine, Motet in Five Parts
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 3
Title: Fugue in 4 Parts
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 4
Title: Piano Sonata, Op. 28 (L. van Beethoven)
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 5
Title: The Heavens Resounding (L. van Beethoven)
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 6
Title: Allein Zu Die, Herr Jesu Christ (J.S. Bach)
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 7
Title: Nun Ruhen Alle Walder (J.S. Bach)
Part: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 8
Title: Fugue From Prelude and Fugue in A Major for Organ (transposed) (J.S. Bach)
Part: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 9
Two-Part Invention for Pianoforte
Part: 1
Date: 1947

Box 1: folder 2, item 10
Ttitle: 3-Part Fugue
Parts: 1
Date: 1947

Box 1: folder 2, item 11
Title: See Where My Love A-Maying Goes, Madrigale in 5 Parts
Part: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 12
Title: 4-Part Fugue
Parts: 1
Date: 1947

Box 1: folder 2, item 13
Title: Motet (Four Part): Magnum Haereditatis Mysterium
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 14
Title: Analysis - Beethoven, Violin Concerto in D Major, 1st Mvt.
Parts: 4 pages
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 15
Title: Billy Layton, “Final Assignment,” T-41-II
Parts: 13 pages
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 16
Title: Billy Layton, M-41-II
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 17
Title: Composer's manuscript folio: Sketch #1, Motet, Madrigal
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 18
Title: Composer's Manuscript Folio: Sketch #3, Counterpoint 3
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1:folder 2, item 19
Title: spiral notebook, “3429 Princeton”
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 20
Title: spiral notebook, “Theory 11”
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 21
Title: spiral notebook, labeled “2931”
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 1: folder 2, item 22
Title: Fugue in G minor for String Quartet (Ph.D. fugue)
Parts: 1
Date: July 1953

Box 1: folder 3
Title: Five Studies for Violin and Piano
Parts: 1
Date: 1952

Box 2: folder 4, item 1
Title: Septet for Violin, Clarinet, Bassoon, Violoncello, Trombone, Harpsichord, and Percussion (original version)
Parts: 1
Date: 1958

Box 2: folder 4, item 2
Title: Septet for Violin, Clarinet, Bassoon, Violoncello, Trombone, Harpsichord, and Percussion
Parts: 1
Date: 1958

Box 2: folder 5, item 1
Title: String Quartet to Francis Judd Cooke (score)
Parts: 1
Date: 1949

Box 2: folder 5, item 2
Title: String Quartet No.1 to Francis Judd Cooke (score)
Parts: 1
Date: 1949

Box 2: folder 6, item 1
Title: Piano Quartet in One Movement (master sheets)
Parts: 1
Date: 1948

Box 2: folder 6, item 2
Title: Symphonic Music in Two Movements
Parts: 2
Date: 1949

Box 2: folder 6, item 3
Title: Two Love Songs for medium voice and piano
Parts: 1
Date: 1951

Box 2: folder 6, item 4
Title: Symphonic Piece - C. Bass
Parts: 1
Date: 1950

Box 2: folder 6, item 5
Title: Symphonic Piece - Violoncello
Parts: 1
Date: 1950

Box 3: folder 7
Title: Symphonic Piece
Parts: 4
Date: 1950

Box 3: folder 8
Title: Symphonic Piece for Orchestra
Parts: 1
Date: 1950

Box 3: folder 9
Title: Symphonic Piece for Orchestra
Parts: 1
Date: 1950

Box 3: folder 10, item 1
Title: sketches (unidentified)
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 3: folder 10, item 2
Title: sketches (unidentified)
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 3: folder 10, item 3
Title: sketches (unidentified)
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 3: folder 10, item 4
Title: sketches (unidentified)
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 4: folder 11, item 1
Title: Five Studies for Violin and Piano, Op. 1 (5 copies)
Parts: 5
Date: 1952

Box 4: folder 11, item 2
Title: Five Studies for Violin and Piano, Op. 1 (spiral bound; 2 copies)
Parts: 2
Date: 1952

Box 4: folder 12
Title: An American Portrait: Symphonic Overture for Orchestra,  Op. 2 (spiral bound)
Parts: 1
Date: 1953

Box 4: folder 13
Title: Piano Quartet in One Movement, to Francis Judd Cooke
Parts: 1
Date: 1948

Box 4: folder 14
Title: String Quartet
Parts: 9
Date: n.d.

Box 5: folder 15
Title: sketches (unidentified)
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 5: folder 16
Title: transcription of thesis (score)
Parts: 4
Date: n.d.

Box 5: folder 17
Title: transcription of thesis (score)
Parts: 27
Date: n.d.

Box 5: folder 18
Title: sketches (unidentified)
Parts: 4
Date: n.d.

Box 5: folder 19, item 1
Title: Three Dylan Thomas Poems, Nr. 1, Full Score: In My Craft or Sullen Art for Mixed Chorus and Brass Sextet
Parts: 1
Date: 1956

Box 5: folder 19, item 2
Title: Three Dylan Thomas Poems, Nr. 2, Full Score: O Make Me a Mask for Mixed Chorus and Brass Sextet
Parts: 1
Date: 1954

Box 5: folder 19, item 3
Title: Three Dylan Thomas Poems, Nr. 3, Full Score: Twenty-Four Years for Mixed Chorus and Brass Sextet
Parts: 1
Date: 1955

Box 6: folder 20
Title: Septet for Violin, Clarinet, Bassoon, Violoncello, Trombone, Harpsichord, and Percussion
Parts: 2
Date: 1958, rev. 1960transparent masters

Box 6: folder 21, item 1
Title: Chamber Street
Parts: 1
Date: 1947

Box 6: folder 21, item 2
Title: sketches (unidentified)
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 6: folder 22, item 1
Title: It’s a Long Way from Cyprus to Texas
Parts: 1
Date: 1953

Box 6: folder 22, item 2
Title: In My Craft or Sullen Art
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 6: folder 22, item 3
Title: Five Studies for Violin and Piano, dedicated to Beveridge Webster
Parts: 1
Date: 1957

Box 6: folder 22, item 4
Title: Twenty-four Years
Parts: 1
Date: 1955

Box 6: folder 22, item 5
Title: String Quartet
Parts: 1
Date: 1955

Box 6: folder 22, item 6
Title: untitled
Parts: 1
Date: 1956

Box 6: folder 23, item 1
Title: String Quartet, score of 1st movement, 2nd movement
Parts: 2
Date: 1949

Box 6: folder 23, item 2
Title: Variations for Solo Clarinet
Parts: 1
Date: 1949

Box 6: folder 23, item 3
Title: Sketch #2, String Quartet
Parts: 1
Date: 1946

Box 6: folder 23, item 4
Title: Piano Sonata
Parts: 1
Date: 1949

Box 6: folder 23, item 5
Title: untitled
Parts: 1
Date: 1949

Box 6: folder 23, item 6
Title: Orchestra Piece
Parts: 2
Date: 1950

Box 6: folder 23, item 7
Title: untitled
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 6: folder 24
Title: Dance Fantasy, Op. 7
Parts: 1
Date: 1964

Box 7: folder 25
Title: Five Studies for Violin and Piano (spiral bound; 3 copies)
Parts: 3
Date: 1952

Box 7: folder 26, item 1
Title: Five Studies for Violin and Piano (spiral bound; 4 copies)
Parts: 4
Date: 1952

Box 7: folder 26, item 2
Title: errata sheet for Five Studies for Violin and Piano
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 7: folder 26, item 3
Title: unidentified (section from page 4 of a score)
Parts: 2
Date: n.d.

Box 7: folder 27, item 1
Title: Three Little Piano Pieces, for Gail
Parts: 1
Date: 1946

Box 7: folder 27, item 2
Title: Chamber Suite
Parts: 1
Date: 1947

Box 7: folder 27, item 3
Title: Chorale and Declamation for Soprano Voice and Piano
Parts: 1
Date: 1947

Box 7: folder 27, item 4
Title: A Poem for Strings for String Orchestra
Parts: 1
Date: 1947

Box 7: folder 27, item 5
Title: Wind Quintet
Parts: 1
Date: 1946

Box 7: folder 28
Title: Five Studies for Violin and Piano (original score)
Parts: 1
Date: 1952

Box 7: folder 29, item 1
Title: Overture for Orchestra (original score)
Parts: 1
Date: 1953

Box 7: folder 29, item 2
Title: O Make Me a Mask
Parts: 1
Date: 1954

Box 7: folder 30, item 1
Title: Two Love Songs for Medium Voice and Piano
Parts: 3
Date: 1951

Box 7: folder 30, item 2
Title: Two Love Songs, transposed for high voice
Parts: 1
Date: 1951

Box 7: folder 30, item 3
Title: Sonata for Piano
Parts: 2
Date: 1949

Box 8: folder 31
Title: Divertimento (Septet), Op. 6; Septet for Violin, Clarinet, Bassoon, Trombone, Cello, Harpsichord, Percussion
Parts: 1
Date: 1958, revision 1960

Box 8: folder 32
Title: String Quartet in Two Movements
Parts: 1
Date: 1956

Box 8: folder 33
Title: Symphonic Music in Two Movements
Parts: 40
Date: 1947

Box 8: folder 34
Title: Symphonic Music in Two Movements
Parts: 29
Date: 1947

Box 9: folder 35, item 1
Title: String Quartet, I Violin
Parts: 1
Date: 1946

Box 9: folder 35, item 2
Title: String Quartet, II Violin
Parts: 1
Date: 1946

Box 9: folder 35, item 3
Title: String Quartet, Viola
Parts: 1
Date: 1946

Box 9: folder 35, item 4
Title: String Quartet, Violoncello
Parts: 1
Date: 1946

Box 9: folder 35, item 5
Title: Wind Quintet, Flute
Parts: 1
Date: 1946

Box 9: folder 35, item 6
Title: Wind Quintet, Clarinet in Bb
Parts: 1
Date: 1946

Box 9: folder 35, item 7
Title: Wind Quintet, Oboe
Parts: 1
Date: 1946

Box 9: folder 35, item 8
Title: Wind Quintet, Bassoon
Parts: 1
Date: 1946

Box 9: folder 35, item 9
Title: Wind Quintet, Horn in F
Parts: 1
Date: 1946

Box 9: folder 36, item 1
Title: String Quartet
Parts: 1
Date: 1946

Box 9: folder 36, item 2
Title: Largo for Orchestra
Parts: 1
Date: 1953

Box 9: folder 36, item 3
Title: Symphonic Music in Two Movements
Parts: 2
Date: 1947

Box 9: folder 36, item 4
Title: Largo, Second Movement of String Quartet (1946), arranged for orchestra (1953)
Parts: 1
Date: 1946, 1953

Box 9: folder 37
Title: String Quartet, to Francis Judd Cooke (score)
Parts: 1
Date: 1949

Box 9: folder 37, item 2
Title: Sonata for Piano
Parts: 1
Date: 1949

Box 10: folder 38
Title: Dance Fantasy
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 10: folder 39
Title: Symphonic Piece
Parts: 1
Date: 1950

Box 11: folder 40
Title: errata lists for scores
Date: n.d.

Box 11: folder 41, item 1
Title: The New Liberalism (original draft)
Parts: 1
Date: n.d.

Box 11: folder 41, item 2
Title: On the Death of the President (poem)

Box 11: folder 42
Title: composer's manuscript tablet containing an unidentified work
Date: n.d.

Box 11: folder 43, item 1
Title: spiral bound “Ring Bound Music Book” with short works
Date: n.d.

Box 11: folder 43, item 2
Title: loose pages from spiral book of short works
Parts: 21
Date: n.d.

Box 11: folder 44, item 1
Title: In My Craft or Sullen Art (Three Dylan Thomas poems, no. 1), for Mixed Chorus and Brass Sextet; published by G. Schirmer
Parts: 1
Date: 1964

Box 11: folder 44, item 2
Title: O Make Me a Mask (Three Dylan Thomas poems, no. 2), for mixed chorus and brass sextet; published by G. Schirmer
Parts:1
Date: 1964

Box 11: folder 44, item 3
Title: Twenty-four Years (Three Dylan Thomas poems, no. 3), for mixed chorus and brass sextet); published by G. Schirmer
Parts: 1
Date: 1964

Box 11: folder 44, item 4
Title: Divertimento, Op. 6 for violin, clarinet, bassoon, violoncello, trombone, harpsichord and percussion; commissioned by the Friends of Music at Yale University; first performed in 1958; published by G. Schirmer
Parts: 1
Date: 1963

Box 12: folder 45
Title: scrapbook (disbound) of programs
Parts: 1

Box 13: folder 46
Title: Dance Fantasy for Orchestra, Op. 7; commissioned by New Haven Symphony
Parts: 1
Date: 1964

Box 14: folder 47
Title: Wyner, Yehudi; correspondence
Date: 1957-1992

Box 14: folder 48
Title: G. Schirmer, Inc.; correspondence, notes, royalty statements
Parts: 1
Dates: 1962-1982

Box 14: folder 49
Title: correspondence
Date: 1950-1978

Box 14: folder 50
Title: correspondence
Date: 1957-1990

Box 14: folder 51
Title: Meet the Composer; correspondence
Date: 1974-1981

Box 15: folder 52
Title: correspondence
Dates: 1958-1992

Box 15: folder 53
Title: correspondence
Date: 1958-1992

Box 15: folder 54
Title: correspondence
Date: 1958-1992

Box 15: folder 55
Title: CRI (Composers Recordings Inc.) correspondence, license, notes
Parts: 1
Date: 1959

Box 15: folder 56
Title: biographical: curriculum vitae, transcript of interview, biographical sketch, correspondence
Date: 1965-1992

Box 15: folder 57
Title: Harvard University
Dates: 1961-1965

Box 15: folder 58
Title: Yale University
Date: 1949-1976

Box 15: folder 59
Title: Stony Brook University
Date: 1965-2005

Box 15: folder 60
Title: programs and concerts
Date: 1950-2002

Box 16: folder 61
Title: Perspectives of New Music
Date: 1961-1973

Box 16: folder 62
Title: Oh! You're a Musician: A Book of Cartoons by Glen Michaels
Part: 1
Date: 1951

Box 16: folder 63
Title: correspondence
Date: 1956-1991

Box 16: folder 64
Title: correspondence
Date: 1950-1986

Box 16: folder 65
Title: correspondence
Dates: 1960-2004 

SERIES 2: Sound Recordings
Access to some audio files is available through the University Libraries' Academic Commons.

Box 17: Item 1
“Dance Fantasy, Op. 7”
New Haven Symphony Orchestra
Frank Brieff, conductor
Woolsey Hall, New Haven. Yale University
October 27, 1964
7.5 ips. magnetic tape  

Box 17: Item 2a
“Divertimento (Septet), Op. 6”
Brandeis Players
Michael Senturia, conductor
Sanders Theater, Harvard University
April 15, 1962
7.5 ips. magnetic tape  

Box 17: Item 2b
“Divertimento (Septet), Op. 6 (original version of last movement)”
Quincy Porter, conductor
Yale Alumni Day Concert
February 22, 1958
7.5 ips. magnetic tape  

Box 17: Item 3
“An American Portrait: Symphonic Overture for Orchestra, Op. 2 (1953)”
Orchestra sinfonica de Roma della R.A.I. (Rome Radio Orchestra)
Bruno Maderna, conductor
Villa Aurelia Gardens
July 3, 1957
7.5 ips. magnetic tape  

Box 17: Item 4
“Comments recorded for Radio Station WUOM”
Note 1 : “During the first long pause, the Five Studies for Violin and Piano are played
Note 2: “During the second long pause, the String Quartet in Two Movements are played.”
Note 3: “At the end, the Divertimento is played.”
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
February 7, 1965 (recorded); aired February 23, 1965
7.5 ips. magnetic tape  

Box 17: Item 5
“Divertimento (Septet), Op. 6 (1958)”
CMC Ensemble
Susan Haig, conductor
April 23, 1981
7.5 ips. magnetic tape  

Box 17: Item 6
“Three Dylan Poems, Op. 3 (1954-1956)”
University Chorale
Ed London, conductor
November 24, 1974
7.5 ips. magnetic tape  

Box 18: Item 7
“Three Dylan Thomas Poems, Op. 3” (1954-1956)
Cantata Singers and Ensemble
John Harbison, conductor
May 11, 1977
7.5 ips. magnetic tape  

Box 18: Item 8
“Dance Fantasy, Op. 7”
New Haven Symphony Orchestra
Woolsey Hall, New Haven. Yale University
October 27, 1964
7.5 ips. magnetic tape  

Box 18: Item 9
No content; labeled, “Liszt: works, piano. Selections. Reel 16”
7.5 ips. magnetic tape  

Box 19: Item 10
“An Introduction to Music of the Twentieth Century”
Two LPs (12 in.) and booklet with “Five Studies for Violin and Piano” by Billy Jim Layton
Brandeis University, National Women’s Committee Study Group Program
c1966-1967

Box 19: Item 11
“An Introduction to Music of the Twentieth Century”
Two LPs (12 in.) and booklet with “Five Studies for Violin and Piano” by Billy Jim Layton
Brandeis University, National Women’s Committee Study Group Program
c1966-1967

Box 19: Item 12
Billy Jim Layton, “Septet”
Yale Concert
Quincy Porter, conductor
LP (12 in.)
February 22, 1958

Box 19: Item 13
Billy Jim Layton, “Five Studies for Violin and Piano, Op. 1 (1952); Billy Jim Layton, “Three Studies for Piano, Op. 5” (1957); Claudio Spies, “Impromptu for Piano” (1963); Claudio Spies, “Viopiacem, Duo for Viola and Keyboard Instruments” (1965); Charles Whittenberg, “String Quartet in One Movement” (1965)
Composers Recordings, Inc. (CRI SD 257)
LP (12 in.)
1970

Box 19: Item 14
Billy Jim Layton, “String Quartet in two movements,” Claremont String Quartet; Robert Moevs, “Sonata for Piano,” Joseph Bloch, Piano
LP (12 in.)
Composers Recordings, Inc. (CRI-136)
1958?

Box 19: Item 15
Billy Jim Layton, “5 Studies for Violin & Piano”
LP (11.75 in.)
Undated