Weissenberg, Alexis. (1929-2012) [Descaves, Lucette. (1906-1993)]
Typed Letter Signed
An interesting letter from the Bulgarian-born French pianist to the pianist Lucette Descaves, complimenting her on her students' playing at a studio recital and on her own qualities as a teacher. Paris, March 30, 1958. Translated from the French, in part: "...You have a class which any professor would be proud of. But may I say that your class also has a teacher which few classes in the world could be so proud of. The playing of all your students, happily different, breathes the same qualities and the same basic 'laws,' I am bold to say, which speak of the high quality of your teaching and your musical character..." Folding creases with some small losses and splits and one significant tear at the upper right; overall in good condition. 8.5 x 12.25 inches (21.5 x 31.4 cm).Alexis Weissenberg, born to a Jewish family in Bulgaria, escaped to Israel in 1945 where he studied with Kestenberg before coming to the USA to work with Samaroff and, later, Schnabel and Landowska. He debuted in New York under Szell with the Philadelphia Orchestra playing Rachmaninoff, and enjoyed great success until 1955; after "retiring" for 5 years to study and teach, he began his career again in 1966 in Paris and Berlin under Karajan who called him the "one of the best pianists of our time."
Lucette Descaves, the goddaughter of Saint-Saens and a student of Marguerite Long and Yves Nat, taught at the Paris Conservatoire from 1941 to 1976. Her students included Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Geneviève Joy, Brigitte Engerer, Pascal Rogé, Katia and Marielle Labèque, and Georges Pludermacher. (10817)
TLS Classical Music