Dutch organization based in Amsterdam. It was set up in 1947 with assistance from the Stichting Nederlandse Muziekbelangen (Foundation for Netherlands Musical Interests) and central government, with the aim of documenting and publishing modern Dutch music. This move was prompted by the loss of a number of scores, including some by Willem Pijper, in the bombing of Rotterdam in May 1940. The microfilm archives of Dutch works created at that time formed the basis of the Donemus collection after the war. The founders of Donemus (whose name is an abbreviation of ‘Documentatie in Nederland voor Muziek’) included C. Wiessing, H.E. Reeser and H. Reinink. The foundation grew under the directorship of André Jurres (1952–74), who in his various international posts did much to promote Dutch music. Around 10,000 works by some 550 Dutch composers are now available through Donemus, as well as biographical information on the composers, press releases and programme notes. Performance material of all the documented works is available on request, and scores of a limited number of works are issued. Donemus has published the journals Muzikaal perspectief (1948–57), Sonorum speculum (1958–74) and, since 1975, the English-language quarterly Key Notes, as well as a monthly information bulletin in Dutch. Donemus issued series of recordings under the title ‘Donemus Audio-Visual’ (1961–75), ‘Composers’ Voice’ (1975–87) and, more recently, ‘Composers’ Voice Compact Disc’. The foundation is subsidized by the Dutch government and represented at a number of international publishing houses.
JOHAN KOLSTEEG