Capet Quartet. (1893–1928)
Signed Photograph, 1925
Very rare signed photograph of the celebrated string quartet, by J. Groefler, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The musicians—first violinist Lucien Capet (1873-1928), second violinist Maurice Hewitt (1884–1971), violoncellist Camille Delobelle (?-?) and violist Henri Benoît (?-?) are seated with their instruments in their hands and music stands in front of them. Inscription to upper margin, "à Monsieur Victor Bielux du Villan." Signatures of all four musicians to lower margin, with date, "Novembre 1925." Photo mounted to cardboard. Oblong format, 4.25 x 6 inches (11 x 15 cm). Three of the signatures rather worn and faded; image in fine condition, tipped to a rigid backing along upper edge."After the First World War Capet formed his last quartet with Hewitt, Benoit and Delobelle. They visited London with great success in 1922, and made several gramophone records during the last three years of Capet's life, including Beethoven's quartets opp. 131 and 132. Capet's playing was characterized by faithfulness to the composer's score, purity of tone, and finesse rather than force of expression. His quartets were admired throughout Europe both for these qualities and for their polished technique, unanimity of spirit, and fine sense of style." (Marc Pincherle / Robert Philip in Grove Music Online)
(22335)Signed Photograph Classical Music France