Bartók, Béla. (1881–1945)
Large Autograph Signature "from Budapest"
A large and striking autograph signature from the important Hungarian composer, who has signed diagonally across an album leaf, noting "(from Budapest)" and dating Mondsee, August 21, 1931. Toning; edges slightly rough; overall in fine condition. 8 x 12 inches (21 x 31 cm).Mondsee, Austria was the location for the summer courses of the Austro-American International Conservatory of Music in the early 1930's. Bartók was engaged to teach there in July and August 1931, an experience which he found somewhat anticlimactic. As described in Benjamin Suchoff's Béla Bartók: Life and Work, Bartók wrote: "It is a very queer setup here at the Mondsee Conservatory. Only 2 pupils registered, instead of the minimum of 8. From sheer necessity, [the assistant administrator] Mrs. Carter 'enrolled' a few days later for the piano faculty!!; so did [the school administrator] Mrs. Peeples [...] how they will settle the financial side of the problem between themselves is none of my business... The whole thing doesn't make sense! Which, by the way, I suspected before I came." (Suchoff, p. 118.) (15576)
Signature Classical Music