34.
[Photographs (unsigned)]
Bernstein, Leonard. (1918–1990). "Youth 25 Conducts Philharmonic in Emergency" - Original 1943 Photograph
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).
New York: Random House. 1958. First, 1st issue. . Hardcover with dust jacket, 5.5 x 8.25, 143 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page in black felt tip, "Best wishes to Matt Stiller, from Stephen Sondheim, 4/9/93." Book condition: fine, with sunning to the jacket's spine, and a tape-repaired tear to the spine's head. 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...
1.
[Books and Programs]
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...
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.
Two original photographs of the great conductor, one shown at the keyboard and stamped March 17, 1959 on verso; the other, a dramatic photograph with baton, undated but ca. early 1960s. The second with creases along lower area, otherwise fine. 7 x 9 inches (18 x 23 cm)
Signed title page of David Ewen's Leonard Bernstein: A Biography for Young People (Philadelphia and New York: Chilton, 1961). Signature "Leonard Bernstein" only. Single sheet, cut from the book. 9.25 x 5 inches (23.4 x 12.8 cm). In fine condition. Together with a second Bernstein for young people item, namely the softcover Bernstein biography by Molly Crone, with charming illustrations by Robert Galster. First edition, published by Thomas Y. Crowell/ Crocodile, New York, 1973. 32 pp, modest crease, else fine. Read More...
15.
[Letters and Misc.]
Bernstein, Leonard. (1918–1990). The Sound of Genius is on Columbia Records - SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH ADVERTISEMENT
An autograph signature from the beloved American composer and conductor, penned in blue ink on a Columbia Records advertisement which appears on the verso of this excised page from a January 1922, 1958 Carnegie Hall program featuring the Philharmonic Student Concert presented by The Philharmonic-Symphony Society of New York, conducted by Bernstein. Vertical crease, right edge rough, else fine. 7.25 x 9.5 inches (18.5 x 24.5 cm).
New York: Ridge Press Book/ Viking Press . 1968. First edition. Richly illustrated with photographs, showing both the public and private sides of this phenomenal talent and personality. Boldly signed and inscribed in black ink by Bernstein on title and dated 1972. Pictorial hardcover, 191 pp. Outer printed glassine dj partially torn, else fine. Fine. Read More...
New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston. 1980. First edition. Octavo, brown cloth-backed rust boards in gilt, in dj. viii, [ii] 469 pp. Illustrated in B&W. Near Fine. From the library of Leonard Bernstein's, inscribed to him on the front endpaper in an unknown hand: "To Lenny / on receiving the first N.Y.S. award in Music, and to celebrate the world premiere of his Kostelanetz 'toast,' we give this biography of a New York forerunner in opera, show & philosophy / Love / Katie & Keri." Together with a printed card identifying the volume as having originally been sold in the Leonard Bernstein Estate sale at Sotheby's as lot 151. Read More...
Attractive signed photograph of the conductor and composer, who has penned his name to the lower blank margin in purple ink, adding the date of '84 and, at the top of the photo, "Happy Birthday!". 3.6 x 5.5 inches (9 x 13.5 cm). Very fine.
Signed original doubleweight photograph of the Costa Rican-Chilean actress famous for her performances in televised dramas and in theatrical roles on and off Broadway and who appeared with symphony orchestras throughout the United States in dramatic acting and narrating roles, including collaborations with her husband, American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. 10 x 8 inches (25.4 x 20.3 cm.). In very fine condition. Read More...
Attractive signed photograph of the conductor and composer, who has penned his name to the lower blank margin in black ink. 3.6 x 5.5 inches (9 x 13.5cm), simply framed in black to overall 5.5 x 6.5 inches (14 x 16 cm).
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...
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...
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...
Printed program from the world premiere of MASS at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on September 8, 1971. Title signed by Leonard Bernstein (composer and librettist), Rose Kennedy (mother of John F., Robert and Edward "Ted" Kennedy), Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (J. F. Kennedy's widow), Edward "Ted" Kennedy (John F. Kennedy's brother; senator), and Edward Durell Stone (architect of the Kennedy Center). Stone inscribed the program to noted autograph collector Stephen Adamson. 128 pp. Near fine condition with only some subtle signs of age. Read More...
Boston: David R. Godine. 1988. First. A tribute for Bernstein's 70th birthday with ample imagery and illustration, including essays by John Rockwell, Andrew L. Pincus, Bernstein himself, and many more. Inscribed on the half title to Phyllis Newman, "Dearest Phyllis - you swung me into a whole new decade - God love you - Lenny / 88." Green cloth with slipcase. 8to. 204pp. Slight discoloration of cloth along spine and extremities of book and slipcase, else fine. Read More...
Remarkable original ca. 1946 photograph of the very young conductor, shown on the podium in rehearsal, with one finger raised against his lips. A stunning image. 8 x 10 inches, light wear to edges, stamps and clippings on verso, small loss to lower right corner margin, else in very fine condition.
Photograph of the American composer, conductor and pianist and the Italian stage director and filmmaker seated at a table, talking and smiling at each other, with Bernstein hugging Visconti's head. From Agence France-Presse. Extended caption printed to verso explaining that the photo was made after the opening performance of Verdi's Falstaff at the Vienna State Opera, a production directed by Visconti and conducted by Bernstein. No date is given, but the performance took place in 1966. Oblong format, 5 x 7 inches (12.8 x 17.8 cm). Small crease to lower left corner; else in very good condition.