Sorabji, Kaikhosru Shapurji. (1892 - 1988)
Opus Clavicembalisticum - SIGNED FIRST EDITION OF ONE OF THE LONGEST SOLO PIANO WORKS EVER COMPOSED
London: J. Curwen & Sons. [1931]. First Edition.Rare signed copy of the notoriously long and virtuosic piano work. Signed and inscribed to Carl Engel, French-born American pianist, musicologist and publisher. Engel was also a writer on music for The Musical Quarterly, and chief of the Music Division of the Library of Congress.
At the time of its first performance in 1930, the Opus Clavicembalisticum was the longest piano solo work ever composed, taking over four hours to play. It is one of the most important works by the colorful, enigmatic Parsi composer and journalist best known for this and other keyboard works of labyrinthine complexity and protracted length. Notorious for his reclusiveness and prickly manner, Sorabji imposed a decades-long moratorium on performances of his works, relenting only in his final years.
Wrappers chipped, front wrapper detached; otherwise in very good condition. 252 pp. (Large oblong folio) 28 x 39 cm (11x15½") original wrappers. No. Eleven of only Twenty-three copies printed on Whatman handmade paper and signed by the composer. Wrappers professionally restored with various chips and tears nicely filled, contained in a custom black cloth box with title plate to spine. (13025)
Printed Music Signed Document/Item Classical Music