Bobesco, Lola. (1921–2003)
Rare Signed Photograph
An early signed photograph of the Belgian violinist, a child prodigy who became internationally known as a teenager and whose virtuosity and pure lyrical expression earned her a place among the top international female performers. Seiguelay, August 27, 1933. Bobesco is shown with her violin at about age 12, and has inscribed at the foot to Marie-Thérèse Chailley, the daughter of Bobesco's teacher Marcel Chailley and pianist Céliny Chailley-Richez, who would later become known a singer. Translated from the French, the inscription reads: "For my dear little sister in France, Thérèse, an affectionate souvenir and a big kiss from your 'Lolette.' " The name "Thérèse" appears to have been added in another hand. Mounting remnants on the verso; overall in fine condition. 6.5 x 9.25 inches (16.3 x 23.6 cm). Signed photographs of the young Bobesco are of legendary rarity.Lola Bobesco was born in Craiova, Romania, and began her career as a child prodigy, giving her first recital there at the age of 6 with her father, composer and conductor Aurel Bobesco. She studied in Paris with Marcel Chailley and Jules Bucher, also taking lessons with George Enescu and Jacques Thibaud. She became known internationally after appearing in Paris (1936) aged 17 with the Colonne Orchestra under the baton of Paul Paray. As an adult, she became professor at the Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles and the Conservatory of Liège, and left a body of recordings with Decca, Columbia, and others.
The French violinist Marcel Chailley (1881–1936) studied at the Conservatoire de Paris, where he was a contemporary of Jaques Thibaud. In 1908 he married the pianist Céliny Richez, with whom he frequently performed. Together, the couple led summer music courses at their home in Seignelay, where students included Ivry Gitlis, Lola Bobesco and Denise Soriano. They were associated with many important French musicians of the early twentieth century, including Céliny Chailley-Richez's frequent duo partner Georges Enescu. Their son was the musicologist and composer Jacques Chailley, and their daughter the alto Marie-Thérèse Chailley-Guiard (1921–2001). (15445)
Signed Photograph Classical Music