Medtner, Nikolai. (1880–1951) [Roth, Ernst. (1896–1971)] Autograph Letter to his London Publisher

Medtner, Nikolai. (1880–1951) [Roth, Ernst. (1896–1971)]

Autograph Letter to his London Publisher

Autograph letter in English from the important Russian composer and pianist to the music publisher Ernst Roth, requesting confirmation that he plans to publish Medtner's piano music and hoping to meet. Dated June 12, 1948. On letterhead of a London address, Medtner writes: "Dear Dr. Roth, I understand from Mr. Arthur Alexander that you will be printing nearly all my piano music by the end of this year. I should be very glad to have your kind confirmation of this at your early convenience. I hope there will be an opportunity of our meeting one day. Yours sincerely, Nicolas Medtner." Stamped with the date received at the lower right. Folding creases. 4to.

Medtner was one of the very last Romantic composer-pianists, his career being overshadowed by his close contemporaries Skryabin and Rakhmaninov. Like them, he placed the piano at the heart of his creative activity, but unlike them he tempered a Russian spirit with musical thought more firmly based in the Western classical tradition.

Ernst Roth was a music publisher for Universal Edition in Vienna and Boosey & Hawkes in London. From 1949 to 1964, Roth was general manager of Boosey & Hawkes and held leading positions until his death. He promoted the work of many important twentieth-century composers, including Britten, Kodály, Stravinsky, Bartok, and Strauss. (14553)

Classical Music Autograph Letter