The J. Reilly Lewis Music Collection at Bishop Payne Library contains thousands of scores and related materials from the musical life of conductor and organist J. Reilly Lewis (1944–2016). Its strengths include the music of J. S. Bach, choral and church music, and annotated working scores.
Access: Materials are kept in locked storage and must be retrieved by library staff. Please contact us before your visit, especially if you would like to consult several items.
Explore the Collection
- Download the collection inventory (Excel)
- View the collection record in the library catalog [Link Forthcoming]
- Ask about the collection
The inventory lists individual scores and related materials; the catalog record describes the collection as a whole.
About the Collection Contains
The collection contains more than 8,000 items, including:
- Music by J. S. Bach, including cantatas, vocal scores, full scores, and performance parts
- Choral octavos (individual choral pieces) and Christmas music
- Full, vocal, and miniature scores, along with organ, keyboard, orchestral, and chamber music
- Working scores with Lewis’s annotations and performance markings
- Correspondence, concert programs, reviews, and other materials kept with the scores
- A small group of Lewis’s handwritten compositions and arrangements
Find and Request Materials
- Open the inventory and browse the worksheet tabs, organized by composer or type of material. Use the column filters to narrow the entries on a worksheet.
- Note the composer, title or description, and worksheet name for each item you would like to use.
- Send your request through Ask a Librarian or email paynelib@vts.edu. Include your affiliation and proposed visit date.
Library staff will confirm availability and arrange retrieval and use of the materials.
Using the Collection
- VTS students, faculty, and staff: A few individual items may be borrowed for up to 24 hours.
- Other approved library users: Individual items may be used in the library only.
- Whole folders or larger groups of materials: These must remain in the library and be used in a staff-designated, supervised space.
- Check out and return all materials at the circulation desk.
Visiting researchers should review the visitor policy and request an appointment before visiting.
About J. Reilly Lewis
J. Reilly Lewis was a conductor and organist known especially for Baroque music and J. S. Bach. He founded the Washington Bach Consort in 1977 and served as music director of the Cathedral Choral Society from 1985 to 2016. The collection reflects his work preparing, conducting, and performing music.
Read about J. Reilly Lewis on the Washington Bach Consort website.