[Rubinstein, Arthur. (1887–1982)] Poulenc, Francis. (1899–1963)
Autograph Letter - "I don't want to miss a note of Arthur's concert"
Autograph letter from the important French composer, regarding plans to attend a concert of Arthur Rubinstein, at which he premiered Poulenc's work Promenades. May 4, 1923. Poulenc writes (translated from the French): "Dear friend, I will be yours with pleasure on Monday—I will be there at 7:30 sharp, because I don't want to miss a note of Arthur's concert. For once we'll hear someone playing the piano well!..." Folding creases; overall in very fine condition. 8.25 x 10.5 inches (21 x 26.8 cm).Poulenc, still a young composer, wrote his piano work Promenades for Arthur Rubinstein in summer 1921. The premiere of the work took place on Monday, May 7, 1923, at the second of Rubinstein's first postwar performances in Paris. Promenades was received positively by critics, Jean Marnold calling it "an extremely remarkable work." Rubinstein recalled: "I was proud to have a major piece by Poulenc dedicated to me." (See Carl B. Schmidt, Entrancing Muse: A Documented Biography of Francis Poulenc, pp. 104–105).
"'Rubinstein in Paris,' Le Figaro announced the day before the first recital. 'The great Polish artist, the ideal interpreter of Chopin, hasn't played in Paris since his career was just beginning, seventeen years ago.' His first program included works by Chopin, Debussy, and Albéniz; the second, works by Bach, Beethoven, Poulenc, Prokofiev, Ravel, Szymanowski, and Liszt [...] The performances were acclaimed by the public and music of the press..." (Harvey Sachs, Rubinstein: A Life, p. 213.) (15502)
Autograph Letter Classical Music