New York: Mitchell Kennerley. 1929. First edition. Quarto, original gilt-stamped black cloth, top edge gilt. Somewhat soiled and worn, but still and attractive copy of the First edition of Genthe's famous tribute to Duncan, featuring 24 black-and-white photogravure plates by the photographer "celebrated for his dance photographs," published only two years after Duncan's death. In his Foreword, Max Eastman notes that "it was never easy to coax Duncan into a photographer's studio," but Arnold Genthe, "celebrated for his dance photographs" (Lenman, 247), was able to capture Duncan from 1915-18, "when her art had reached its full maturity and highest development."
1 page, recto/verso. Paris 11-7-1879. Addressed to "Monsieur Le Directeur." Thanking the director of the Théâtre de l'Odéon for the warm welcome he received there and requesting three tickets for a performance of "Le Voyage de Monsieur Perrichon," the comedy by Eugène Labiche and Édouard Martin. Usual light creases, else fine. Sold together with an early photograph portrait. Read More...
A fine period portrait measuring 26.7 x 20 cm. Toned and with a horizontal crease, but still attractive. The attribution printed at the lower right of the bust has faded and we have not identified the artist of this portrait.
Praze [Prague]: Knihtisk·rna B. Stybla, 1904. Broadside (225 x 270 mm.). 1 page. Printed within wide black border. The document also provides details on the funeral to be held on May 3rd and on a memorial service to take place on May 7th. Somewhat worn, creased and frayed at edges. In very good condition overall. Read More...
A very fine silver-plated portrait medal/pin showing the two great Czech composers. Dated 1934 and measuring 31 mm. In very fine condition, with a tri-color ribon attached.
Typed Letter Signed, "A. Einstein," to Donald Hopf, in German, assisting in the sale of a violin, by offering to write a letter on his behalf, and by enclosing [not present] a suggestion from German-American musicologist, Alfred Einstein. 1 page, 4to. Princeton, 9 October 1940. Some fading to signature but quite legible. In full (translated): "Dear Mr. Hopf, Enclosed is a suggestion of Alfred Einstein concerning the sale of the violin. Perhaps you can provide a copy of the magazine and see whether there is an American edition (to save time). Either you can write to the agent, or, if you prefer, I will do it gladly. In this case, however, you must write me with more detail about the violin; write in such a way that one gets a clear picture. In the hope of hearing from you soon, I am Yours Sincerely, Albert Einstein." Read More...
Black and White Portrait Photograph of Albert Einstein. One of a limited edition of 99 copies, numbered and signed by Halsman, of the iconic photograph originally created in 1947 and later the subject of a US postage stamp (1966). Read More...
Scarce signed photograph from the noted American singer, best remembered as Mama Cass of the pop quartet "The Mamas & the Papas." Signed portion of album cover "The Mamas & The Papas", matted. to an overall size of 11 x 14 inches. In fine condition and rare. Cass tragically died in 1974 of a heart attack in London after two weeks of sold-out performances at the Palladium.
Paris: Marchans. ca. 1840. A very fine original lithograph by J. Rigo et Cie after the drawing by Alex. Lacauchie. From Galerie des Artistes Dramatiques de Paris. 23 x 30.5 cm. Matted to 28 x 37 cm. Read More...
A fine concert program from a 1923 recital at the Salle Gaveau. Among other works, he performed Ysaye's 3rd Solo Sonata which had dedicated to him two years earlier.
A rare original photograph of the great soprano, shown with her husband, each taking aim with a long rifle! 13 x 17 cm. Corners chipped, else fine. Very unusual, to say the least!
Superb signed original photograph of the great soprano in one of her most celebrated roles, one she famously recapped in DeMille's 1915 film. An original doubleweight photograph by Edwin F. Townsend of NY, signed by him in red ink at the lower right, and boldly signed and inscribed by Farrar to a light area at the left: "To Kelly from Carmen / Geraldine Farrar / 1925." A few small stains, one corner bent, otherwise fine. 19 x 24 cm.
An unusual signed photograph from the great German baritone, lieder specialist beyond compare. Addressed "Liebe Sena," Dieskau has penned a lengthy inscription on the verso to his colleague, the wonderful Bosnian soprano, Sena Jurinac. He compliments her on the "phantastichen 'Jenufa,'" and signs "Liebe Grusse, Dietrich." An original photograph in Verdi's "Macbeth" (indentified by Dieskau beneath the image), 10.5 X 15 cm, stamped by the photographer Ilse Buhs on the verso. Two hole-punches at the foot of the photo, affecting "Macbeth" on the recto and just touching the signature on the verso. Otherwise very nice, an unusual image from one Giant to another!
A remarkable autographed 78 rpm, Decca 1840 (d15), of Ella's breakthrough hit with the Chick Webb Orchestra in 1938. In conjunction with Al Feldman, she extended and embellished the 19th century nursery rhyme into a jazz piece which has since become a jazz standard. A very rare find, signed on the label and in excellent condition.
Fine original UC Berkely recital program, boldly signed by the celebrated Hungarian violinist and pedagogue who performed works by Mozart, Paganini, Saint-Saens, Brahms-Joachim, and the first performance of three of his own Handel arrangements. 13 x 28 cm and in fine condition, sold together with a vintage sepia postcard photograph. Flesch autographs are scarce.
118. [Flute] Blavet, Michel. (1700-1768). Ier [...IIe] Recueil de Pieces Petits Airs Brunettes, Menuets, &c. Avec des Doubles et Variations, Accomode pour les Flutes travers
Paris: Blavet, Boivin, Le Clerc. [1744]. First edition. 2 volumes in one. [1], Title, Table, 80 pages; Title, Table, 80 pages. Oblong 4to (c.16.3 x 24.8cm), engraved throughout, titles within decorative cartouches. Contemporary mottled calf, name of owner, "Durant De La Roque," impressed on front board (a famous bibliophile, La Roque was Captain of the Regiment of Bourgogne). Spine somewhat chipped, overall in very fine condition. Read More...
A nice signed photograph, an single-page advertisement removed from a 1946 Carnegie Hall appearance under the baton of Bruno Walter. Boldly signed across the top of the photograph and in very fine condition. 19.6 x 26 cm.
A fine signed photograph of the important Italian baritone. A star at Rome (1928-49), La Scala and Covent Garden, he was greatly admired for his Scarpia, Rigoletto, William Tell, Macbeth and Telramund. An excellent photograph in a dramatic pose, boldly signed and inscribed in Italian to Marcello Garofalo "son of the great composer." 17 x 21.5 cm.
An attractive original trifold American tour brochure, advertising a recital in Boston and including a 2 page "plug" for the great pianist. In part: "Surely there is a plethora of pianists coming from foreign shores hitherward this season, and as one reads the list one is struck with the idea that Russia, amid all her interior turmoil, is doing much for the peace of the rest of the world in sending forth her musicians and pianists to proclaim the glad tidings and peaceful messages which harmony and music always bear." 17.5 x 26 cm, a few nicks and small stains, overall fine, with a nice image of the young Gabrilowitsch on the cover.