Salzedo, Carlos. (1885–1961)

Signed Photograph

Signed photograph of the great French harpist, composer, and conductor, an unparalleled virtuoso who is generally regarded as one of the finest harpists in history. Salzedo is shown half-smiling in a casual pose and has inscribed with his initials at the left to his student Alice Chalifoux: "To AC / CS / 1933." He has written both sets of initials as decorative monograms. Slightly curled, with a few very small creases; overall in fine condition. 8 x 10 inches (20.4 x 25.5 cm).

From the collection of Alice Chalifoux, principal harpist with the Cleveland Orchestra from 1931 to 1974 and, for many years, its only female member. Chalifoux played under the first five music directors of the Cleveland Orchestra: Nikolai Sokoloff, Artur Rodzinski, Erich Leinsdorf, George Szell and Lorin Maazel. She studied with Carlos Salzedo and went on to train a further generation of harpists at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Oberlin College, Baldwin-Wallace College and the Salzedo Harp Colony. Described as "diminutive, salty-tongued and beloved," she was especially known for her sharp wit. (15189)
Signed Photograph
Classical Music