[Barber, Samuel. (1910–1981)] Cartier Gold Pen, used for the orchestration of

[Barber, Samuel. (1910–1981)]

Cartier Gold Pen, used for the orchestration of "Antony and Cleopatra"

A fine and beautiful pen, used by Samuel Barber in the orchestrating of Antony and Cleopatra and gifted by the composer to the Metropolitan Opera Guild (recently deaccessioned). Designed as a tapered 14K gold body, to the 14K rose gold nib. Signed Cartier and numbered 3604, 7¼ inches (12 cm). Fine.

Antony and Cleopatra was first performed at the formal opening of the new Metropolitan Opera House on 16 September 1966. The evening has gone down in history as one of the great operatic fiascos, although Barber's score has been described as 'an innocent victim' of the occasion, overwhelmed by a technically over-complex production by Franco Zeffirelli. Nevertheless, the failure of the work was to have an enduring impact on Barber's creative confidence. (15391)

Signed Document/Item Classical Music