EINSTEIN'S AMERICAN DEBUT ON VIOLIN!
Rare original program for a 1934 Gala Concert honoring the legendary physicist. Einstein himself participated in the benefit, playing the violin alongside other performers including violinist Tosha Seidel, pianist Harriet Cohen, violist Leon Barzin, violoncellist Ossip Gisken, and a string orchestra led by Emil Hilb. Two months after Albert Einstein’s move to the United States, his sponsors, including Henry Morgenthau, David Sarnoff, Arthur Sulzberger, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, held a Gala Concert in his honor “and for the benefit of Some of his intimate scientific friends in Berlin” on January 17, 1934. Two leaves (designed to be folded into a 5 x 8 inch booklet, this copy remains as printed). Contemporary crayon mark surrounds the list of instruments on second leaf recto. Toning throughout, with small edge nicks to both leaves, overall fine. 10 x 8 inches (25.4 x 20.3 cm.). While not signed, with attendance limited to 300, a truly scarce item. We are not aware of any other copies!
“Professor Albert Einstein made his American debut as a musician last night before a distinguished audience at the residence of Adolph Lewisohn at 881 Fifth Avenue. The famed scientist motored in from his home at Princeton, N. J., yesterday afternoon with his beloved violin and spent several hours rehearsing for the gala concert, the proceeds of which will be used by him for the benefit of some of his intimate scientific friends in Berlin. With Toscha Seidel, noted violinist, Professor Einstein rendered a Bach concerto for two violins and the pair, with Ossip Giskin, violincellist, and Leon Barzin, viola player, gave a selection from Mozart. Professor Einstein and his fellow-artists were warmly applauded by the audience of three hundred, the capacity of the ballroom in which the concert was held. Proceeds of the event, “which is one of the most unusual in the current social season, will be used by Dr. Einstein for the benefit of some of his intimate scientific friends in Berlin. It is the first time the scientist will play at a semi-public gathering.” (Professor Einstein Makes American Debut As Musician at Concert, jta.org)
EINSTEIN'S AMERICAN DEBUT ON VIOLIN!
Rare original program for a 1934 Gala Concert honoring the legendary physicist. Einstein himself participated in the benefit, playing the violin alongside other performers including violinist Tosha Seidel, pianist Harriet Cohen, violist Leon Barzin, violoncellist Ossip Gisken, and a string orchestra led by Emil Hilb. Two months after Albert Einstein’s move to the United States, his sponsors, including Henry Morgenthau, David Sarnoff, Arthur Sulzberger, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, held a Gala Concert in his honor “and for the benefit of Some of his intimate scientific friends in Berlin” on January 17, 1934. Two leaves (designed to be folded into a 5 x 8 inch booklet, this copy remains as printed). Contemporary crayon mark surrounds the list of instruments on second leaf recto. Toning throughout, with small edge nicks to both leaves, overall fine. 10 x 8 inches (25.4 x 20.3 cm.). While not signed, with attendance limited to 300, a truly scarce item. We are not aware of any other copies!
“Professor Albert Einstein made his American debut as a musician last night before a distinguished audience at the residence of Adolph Lewisohn at 881 Fifth Avenue. The famed scientist motored in from his home at Princeton, N. J., yesterday afternoon with his beloved violin and spent several hours rehearsing for the gala concert, the proceeds of which will be used by him for the benefit of some of his intimate scientific friends in Berlin. With Toscha Seidel, noted violinist, Professor Einstein rendered a Bach concerto for two violins and the pair, with Ossip Giskin, violincellist, and Leon Barzin, viola player, gave a selection from Mozart. Professor Einstein and his fellow-artists were warmly applauded by the audience of three hundred, the capacity of the ballroom in which the concert was held. Proceeds of the event, “which is one of the most unusual in the current social season, will be used by Dr. Einstein for the benefit of some of his intimate scientific friends in Berlin. It is the first time the scientist will play at a semi-public gathering.” (Professor Einstein Makes American Debut As Musician at Concert, jta.org)