[Gershwin, George. (1898–1937)] Duncan, Todd. (1903–1998)
"Porgy and Bess" - INSCRIBED BY THE FIRST PORGY
New York: Gershwin Publishing Corporation. 1935. First edition, 2nd issue. A remarkable copy of this important work, inscribed by Todd Duncan, the first singer to play the role of Porgy. Signed and inscibed on the title verso, opposite the Index of Scenes "To --- / Best wish from 'Porgy' 1935 / Todd Duncan 1989."The Theatre Guild presents Porgy and Bess. Libretto by Du Bose Heyward Lyrics by Du Bose Heyward and Ira Gershwin Settings by Sergei Soudeikine Orchestra Conductor Alexander Smallens Production Directed by Rouben Mamoulian. [Piano-vocal score]. Small folio. Original publisher's printed grey wrappers with black cloth spine. 4ff. (photographic portrait; r. title, v. woodcut illustration of donkey pulling a man in a cart; r. Index of Scenes, v. Cast of Characters, Index of Songs; r. Story of Porgy and Bess, v. dedication), 559 (music), [i] (blank) pp. Title without price and the word "negro" printed uncapitalized in the fourth line of the Story of Porgy and Bess. Covers worn, but still a good copy with a remarkable dedication. First Edition, second issue released with the song index but without the capitalization of "Negro," in the fourth line of the story (corrected by the time of the Limited Edition, within a month of the first publication). Fuld p. 539. In fine condition, original grey wrappers a little worn.
Porgy and Bess, a folk opera in three acts, was first performed at the Colonial Theater in Boston on September 30th, 1935. It opened in New York at the Alvin Theater on October 10th of that same year. The work includes a number of Gershwin's best-known and loved tunes, including Summertime, I Got Plenty o' Nuttin, It Ain't Necessarily So and A Woman Is a Sometime Thing.
Duncan was the first black member of the New York City Opera, where he first appeared as Tonio in 1935. Also active in musical theater, his performance in Weill’s "Lost in the Stars" (1949-50) won him the Donalson and New York Drama Critics Award in 1950. He created the role of Porgy at the Alvin Theater in 1935. (13194)
Printed Music Opera