Typed Letter Signed to Warner Bros. about "Tchaikovsky"

An interesting typed letter signed from the important Russian-American film composer and conductor to Kenneth Hyman of Warner Bros., London, complaining about the lack of cooperation between Warner Bros. and Sovexportfilm for the film Tchaikovsky. Dated October 9, 1968. Tiomkin writes that Warner Bros. has not yet agreed on a budget for the European locations for the film, mentioning that "I am working in connection with this production without receiving any fees, merely receiving a share of gross receipts..." and goes on to urge Hyman, "...it is absolutely essential both from the viewpoint of international relations and of course my own interest in the film and my personal relationship and reputation with Sovexportfilm[...] that there be no further delay in completing the film." 2 pp. Light folding creases and staple holes; otherwise in fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.4 x 25.5 cm).

Musically trained in Russia, Dimitri Tiomkin studied with Busoni in Berlin in the early 1920's and made his concert premiere with the Berlin Philharmonic. After moving to the United States to tour in the late 1920's, he found work in Hollywood, changing his focus from piano to composing after he broke his arm. Tiomkin is best known for his western scores, including Duel in the Sun, Red River, High Noon, The Big Sky, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, and Last Train from Gun Hill. Tiomkin had no illusions about his talent and the nature of his film work when compared to the classical composers, once saying: "I am no Prokofiev, I am no Tchaikovsky. But what I write is good for what I write for." Upon receiving his Oscar in 1955 for The High and the Mighty, he became the first composer to publicly list and thank the great European masters, including Beethoven, Strauss, and Brahms, among others.

Tchaikovksy, a lavish romanticized Soviet biopic about the great composer, was directed by Igor Talankin and featured Innokenty Smoktunovsky in the lead role. After an arduous production process, it was released in 1970. It was nominated for the 1971 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film as well as the Academy Award for Original Song Score and Adaptation. (14480)

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TLS

Film

Classical Music

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