Signed color photograph of the superb fiddler, specialist in the 19th century bravura repertory. A student of Persinger, Piastro and Kulenkampff, Ricci has been widely acclaimed for his technical prowess and was the first to record the 24 Paganini Caprices in their original version.
12.6 cm x 18.4 cm, an original color photograph on AGFA photo paper, signed and dated 2000 in black ink. Fine.
Two autograph letters from the important French pianist, acclaimed for his performance of the complete Beethoven sonatas and the dedicatee of works by Dukas, Chabrier, and Granados. Dated April 23 and April 27, no year. Writing to the symbolist poet and man of letters Henri Cazalis, Risler arranges an appointment in the first letter for the following Wednesday, and mentions that if Cazalis would like to hear another friend play, "I am sure that you will give him a great joy, but don't mention me on this occasion." In a postscript, he adds, "If you don't have a good piano, I can have a Pleyel brought, nothing could be easier." In the second letter, he writes "I thank you with my whole heart for your sympathy; I am very sorry to have missed you this morning; I am very much looking forward to reading your book, and no less to seeing you tomorrow, Tuesday; I will come at noon." In very fine condition. 5 x 3.25 inches (12.6 x 8.4 cm) and 4.5 x 7 inches (11.2 x 18 cm).
Original photograph postcard of the great pianist, shown in profile to the right and signed by Rosenthal across the head of the image in brown ink. 8.5 x 13.5 cm. Silvering around the edges, else fine.
The great Polish pianist, Moriz Rosenthal, studied with Liszt for 9 years and was one of the most important pianists of the late 19th and first half of the 20th century. A regular sonata partner of Fritz Kreisler, he toured frequently and left some fantastic recordings.
Signed halftone photograph from the beloved Polish American pianist, taken from a concert program. Rubinstein is shown in a small photograph ca. 1950's. The verso of the page bears a text in Dutch on Beethoven's "Coriolan" overture. Horizontal folding crease across the foot of the image; otherwise in fine condition and a bold signature. 5.75 x 5.5 inches (14.9 x 13.8 cm).
Original cabinet photograph of the great Spanish violinist-composer, issued by Franz Hanfstaengl of Munich. Scattered stains and flecks, toned around the edges, else fine. 11 x 17 cm.
Original postcard photograph of the Austrian/American pianist whose Schubert and Beethoven recordings are beyond compare. Signed, inscribed and dated 1930 in green ink which, though somewhat faded, remains fully visible. Fine condition.
His teacher, Theodor Leschetizky, once told him: “You will never be a pianist. You are a musician.”
149.
[Instrumentalists]
Segovia, Andrés. (1893–1987). Autograph Letter to Magdeleine Greslé regarding a recital at the Debussy home
Autograph letter from the virtuoso Spanish classical guitarist to the singer Magdeleine Greslé, dated March 8, 1924, on the subject of a small recital to be given at the home of Emma Debussy. Translated from the French, in part: "Thank you for your charming indiscretion. It will provide for me the pleasure of offering my performance on the guitar at Madame Debussy's house for her and her friends. So I am very obliged to you. In exchange, if you are here, I would like to hear you again. I remember what a pleasure it was the last time." He continues: "My wife asks me to say how kind you were to her. Please excuse the French which I am forcing you to read." 1 p. with the original envelope. Folding creases and light toning; overall in fine condition. 8.25 x 10.5 inches (21 x 27 cm). Uncommon from this period.
Bold autograph signature of the hugely influential Bohemian violinist and pedagogue. On an album page measuring 12 x 15.5 cm and dated Prague, May 27, 1904. Read More...
Scarce signed postcard photograph with an autograph birthday greeting from the hugely influential Bohemian violinist and pedagogue. Sevcik is shown as an older man, seated outdoors and leaning on a stone bollard; he has signed above his image and dated July 29, 1928. On the verso, the postcard is addressed to a Frau Wtw. Dr. Al. Rozgonyi in Budapest, with an autograph birthday wish (translated from the German): "On your 60th birthday, sincere congratulations and best wishes to you and yours in old friendship." Light toning, with a few edge and surface chips to the image; overall in fine condition. 3.5 x 5.5 inches (8.7 x 13.7 cm). Read More...
Signed autograph statement: "Whatever I'm playing at the moment is, of necessity, my favorite work - Isaac Stern". On a light green sheet measuring 13.5 x 21 cm, mounted to a slightly larger page. Fine.
Spa, Belgique: Amis de la Musique. 1994. Catalogue descriptif des instruments de Stradivarius et Guarnerius del Gesù / par Charles-Eugene Gand. Vingt années d'expertise d'un grand luthier parisien, 1870-1891 / introduction et analyse par Sylvette Milliot. An interesting facsimile edition of the Parisian luthier's manuscript catalogue of Stradivarius and Guarneri instruments. xxii, 184 pp. Hardcover, quarter blue leather with blue paper sides, without dust jacket. One small spot to the front cover; overall very fine.4.75 x 7.25 inches (12 x 18.5 cm).
154.
[Instrumentalists]
Szigeti, Joseph. (1892–1973). Interesting Signed Photograph with Two Autograph Inscriptions
An especially interesting signed photograph of the great Hungarian-born American violinist. Image size 138 x 90 mm.; overall size 230 x 150 mm. Read More...
Original Manuel Freres postcard photograph of the masterful French violinist, signed and inscribed over the image and dated Montreal, March 2, 1948. A little wrinkled, tape remnant to verso, small crease upper right margin, else fine. 3.5 x 5.5 inches; 9 x 14 cm.
Original early glossy 8 x 10 inch photograph, in very fine condition and boldly signed by the foremost duo-piano team of the 20th century. After meeting in Berlin, where they were both students of Artur Schnabel, the duo went on to perform all over the world and were later married.
Scarce AMQS from the Russian violinist, a Sevcik student who in 1893 had “extraordinarily successful début at Odessa with Tchaikovsky, who conducted his own [violin] concerto” and went on to perform and compose extensively. On an album page measuring 12 x 15.5 cm. Scarce.
Signed photograph of the important American composer and conductor. Bernstein is shown in a profile portrait and has signed below and dated 1975. Slight smudge to the date, but overall in very fine condition. 3.5 x 5.5 inches (9 x 14 cm).
Original 1928 portrait etching of the renowned conductor, signed by its creator, the acclaimed Czech-Jewish artist Emil Orlik and by the conductor himself, "Furtwangler." On handmade paper, the full sheet 30 x 39.5 cm, portrait approx. 18 x 24 cm. In very good condition, with a subtle block of toning, scattered foxing spots and a few creases at left top margin.
Autograph letter from the supreme Wagnerian conductor, who served as director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for 8 years in the early 1900's, and also conducted in Hamburg and Bayreuth. June 6, 1902. Addressed to a "Herr Franco," likely either the American violinist and conductor Nahan Franko or his brother Sam Franko, the letter reads (translated from the German): "Will you do us the pleasure of coming with your dear wife to dinner tomorrow, Saturday? An intimate family supper, without ceremony; 4 o'clock. We won't take no for an answer. Best wishes, Dr. Karl Muck." 1 p. of a bifolium on Muck's Berlin letterhead. In very fine condition. 4.25 x 5.5 inches (11.1 x 14 cm).
161.
[Conductors]
Reiner, Fritz. (1888-1963). Telegram & Typed Letter Signed, giving terms for Buenos Aires performances
An interesting pair of letters from the legendary conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (1938-48) and of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (1953-1962). An undated telegram, evidently 1951, outlines the fees and terms for a proposed three concert appearance in Buenos Aires in the summer of 1952. The TLS, one page, dated July 31st, 1951, declines to solidify the proposed concert arrangements "because of the amount of time and few concerts involved, not to speak of the expenses, 30% tax and commission." Two hole punches along left edge of each, otherwise fine. Read More...
Autograph letter from the German conductor and composer, director of the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, offering two silk dresses to the young Ethel Leginska, who was studying in Frankfurt at age fourteen. June 22, 1898. Translated from the German: "Dear Madam, Two light silk dresses for a small person have been donated by Frau Goldschmidt. They are in good condition; could you make use of them for Ethel? Please let me know, and I hope that they can be made use of by the Liggins parents." 1 p. of a bifolium on letterhead of the Hoch Conservatory. One folding crease; otherwise in fine condition. 5.5 x 8.5 inches (14.2 x 22 cm). Read More...