Carte de visite photograph of the French composer, as captured by photographer Nadar, whose signature "N" is printed in red at the lower right. Some light wear, overall very fine. 2.5 x 4 inches (6.5 x 10.3 cm).
Original Costume Design for Don Juan, by the eminent Russian Neo-romantic painters and theater and opera designers. Ink on paper. Signed and dated E.B. 1952 (lc); inscribed Bride (lr) and Don Juan (uc). 14 3/4 x 11 inches (37.5 x 27.9 cm). Nicely framed. Unexamined out of frame but in apparently fine condition. Read More...
Pen and ink on paper depicting shrouded figures at a wall, monogrammed ''E.B.'' and dated 1948 along lower edge. 9 x 12.75 inches. Pink stains to paper, mounted to canvas backing, otherwise fine.
Born in Russia, the Surrealist and Neo-Romantic artist Eugene Berman is known for his imaginary landscapes and architectural conceits and is also recognized for his Baroque-like stage set designs for the likes of the Metropolitan Opera.
Large original Sarony of NY photograph, boldly signed in fountain pen and inscribed "Souvenir le plus Sympathique et le plus affectueux / Sarah Bernhardt, 1906 [possibly instead 1896]." 8.3 x 11.6 inches. Heavily chipped and cracked along the right edge with surface losses and upper right corner perished, most of which could be matted out of view for presentation. Despite these faults, this is undoubtedly one of the finest and most unusual signed photographs of Bernhardt we have encountered. Read More...
Paris: Calmann Lévy. 1877. Presentation copy of the French author's play L'Étrangère, signed and inscribed by Dumas on the half-title to the important French actress Sarah Bernhardt, who starred in the original production. He pens (translated from the French): "To Mademoiselle Sarah Bernhardt, with the apologies, thanks, and unreserved compliments of the author, A. Dumas." 148 pp. Hardcover, 8vo, handsome contemporary red morocco with gilt; raised bands, title and Bernhardt's initials in gilt at the foot of the spine; silk endpapers. Neatly restored, faint water stain to endpapers; some light internal foxing; overall fine. The present volume appears in the catalogue of the Library of Sarah Bernhardt (https://ia800900.us.archive.org/22/items/bibliothquedemme00bern/bibliothquedemme00bern.pdf) as lot 159, images included here for reference. Read More...
21018. Bernstein, Leonard. (1918-1990). "Vital Music old and new, Superbly performed under a Stimulating Young Conductor" - Early Concert Flyer from the 1945-46 season.
Rare early flyer promoting performances by the young conductor with the New York City Symphony at New York City Center for the 1945-46 season. The flyer reads "New York City Symphony / conducted by Leonard Bernstein / Vital Music old and new Superbly performed under a Stimulating Young Conductor / At prices within the reach of all," all above a portrait of an almost impossibly young Bernstein. The concerts, which took place between October 8, 1945 and April 1, 1946, included "12 Monday Symphonies," "Symphonies at 6," and "Symphonies for Young America (Ages 12 to 24)," and promised "The finest in modern music," "refreshing vigorous programs," and "new youthful spirit in music." Stamped "Sep 27 1945" to verso. Horizontal folding crease with one-inch tear along crease, overall in fine condition. Read More...
Rare souvenir program from the original Broadway production of the classic musical West Side Story, signed by much of the original cast, including the creators of the principal roles: Carol Lawrence (Maria), Larry Kert (Tony), Chita Rivera (Anita), Art Smith (Doc), Mickey Calin (Riff), Ken LeRoy (Bernardo), Lee Theodore (credited here as "Lee Becker") (Anybodys), Eddie Roll (Action), David Winters (Baby John), and Tony Mordente. (A-Rab). 16 pp. Wear to spine, overall in fine condition. 9 x 12 inches (22.9 x 30.5 cm.). Read More...
An LP of th acclaimed ballet score, boldly signed on verso of jacket, "Leonard Bernstein". Columbia Masterworks – M 33082. Spine and lower seem partially split, impression of LP rubbed to front and small stains, LP untested but in apparently fine condition. Read More...
Autograph letter signed to Nathan Broder, manager of publications for the music publisher G. Schirmer. 18 Feb, 1950, on letterhead of Bernstein's 1025 Park Ave address. In full: “Dear Nat, Just a word to express my deep pleasure and satisfaction at the publication of The A of A [Age of Anxiety]. It is beatuifully gotten out, handsome and done with loving care; and I am filled with gratitude. Sincerely, Lenny B." Usual folds, stamp "Received / 1950 FEB 18...G Schirmer" on the verso, in fine condition. 7 x 10.5 inches (19 x 26 cm). Read More...
Original International News Photo photograph of the young composer/conductor, printed around the time of his historic November 14, 1943 NY Philharmonic debut and with a press sheet affixed to verso with text reading "Youth 25 Conducts Philharmonic in Emergency" and describing Bernstein's famously filling in with a few hours’ notice and without rehearsal for an ailing Bruno Walter. The concert was broadcast nationally, and The New York Times ran a front-page story the next day, calling his performance “a good American success story.” Light scratches, overall in fine condition. 6.5 x 8.5 inches (17 x 21.5 cm).
Original photograph of the young composer/conductor, with a press clipping affixed to verso with text reading "Leonard Bernstein, assisted by some of Broadway's leading musical comedy stars, launches the fifth season of 'Omnibus' on NBC tonight. Bernstein will explore the birth and growth of the musical comedy in America." Small staple holes upper right, stains around margins, else very good condition. 6.5 x 8.5 inches (17 x 21.5 cm).
Two press photographs of the American composer, conductor and pianist from his first two concerts with the New York Philharmonic in (West) Berlin, September 22 and 23, 1960. Copyrighted by Deutsche Presse Agentur (dpa), with additional hand stamp of Agence France-Presse. Extended captions in German typed to versos regarding the guest performances. One picture is from a rehearsal, the other from the first concerts (which was part of the Berliner Festwochen festival). Both photos 8.25 x 6.25 inches (21 x 16 cm). In fine condition.
Very fine photograph of the American composer, conductor and pianist seated at the piano during a press conference at the Maison de la radio (headquarters of Radio France) on November 18, 1981, preceding a tour with the Orchestre national de France and Lorin Maazel, as explained by a typed note in French from Agence France-Presse attached to verso. 9.5 x 7 inches (17.6 x 38 cm). In fine condition.
Signed original doubleweight photograph of the American conductor and composer, one of the titans of mid-century American music, standing in the proscenium of an unknown stage, the orchestra to his front and the curtain to his rear. Bernstein has inscribed "For Paul / Leonard Bernstein" in black ink to a light area of the image. Photographer unconfirmed but likely Paul McMahon, ca. 1965. In very fine condition. 10 x 8 inches (25.4 x 20.3 cm.). Read More...
Signed portrait in profile of the American composer, conductor and pianist as a young man. Inscribed to Paul McMahon. Caption, "Leonard Bernstein," typed to verso. 9.5 x 7.5 inches (24.1 x 19 cm). In fine condition. Read More...
New York: Simon & Schuster. 1982. First edition. Octavo, original half cloth, illustrated with photographs. Signed and inscribed by Bernstein on the title page. In original dj, very fine throughout. Read More...
Original poster signed by the composer and conductor for a production of A Quiet Place & Trouble in Tahiti at Kennedy Center Opera House from 21-28 July, 1984. Framed and matted with signature to upper left. Unexamined outside of frame, appears in very fine condition. 18.75 x 26.75 inches (47.6 x 67.9 cm.). Read More...
Signed portrait in profile of the American composer, conductor and pianist. Inscribed to Paul McMahon. Hand stamps of Columbia Records Photo to verso. 9 x 7 inches (23.1 x 17.7 cm). Slight tear to right margin; else in fine condition. Read More...
Original press photograph of Bernstein crying at the premiere of his "Mass" at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. In fine condition, 7 x 9 inches.
Bernstein's "Mass" was commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy and was premiered on September 8, 1971,
Original 1951 press photograph of Bernstein rehearsing the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for a performance of Mahler's Second Symphony. Press and photographer (Kaste?) sheets affixed to verso, slightly trimmed and with surface crazing, else fine. A really remarkable early image. 7.75 x 9 inches.