Franko, Sam. (1857-1937)
Autograph Statement about True Music
A lovely autograph quotation from the American violinist and conductor, penned on a small card, signed, and dated August 1936. "Never believe, that 'Old Music' is necessarily antiquated. Just as a true and beautiful saying can never age, neither can a true and beautiful piece of music." In very fine condition. 4.25 x 2.75 inches (10.9 x 7.1 cm).A native of New Orleans, Franko studied the violin in Europe, working with Joseph Joachim and Henri Vieuxtemps, among others. Upon his return to the United States, he joined the Mendelssohn Quartet, later working with the Theodore Thomas Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Franko soon grew disgusted with prejudice against American musicians, and created the American Symphony, made up entirely of American performers, in 1894. With this group he gave many American premieres. Franko also taught violin and arranged 17th- and 18th-century music, and transcribed numerous pieces for the violin. His work with old music won him accolades from the German press. The set of cadenzas he wrote for Mozart's Violin Concerto in G major K. 216 has become a standard part of the concert repertoire, more so than all of the numerous other cadenzas that have been written for this piece. (14222)
Autograph Document Classical Music