Stassevitch, Paul. (1894–1968)
Signed Photograph
Signed photograph of the Crimean-born American violinist, pianist, pedagogue, and conductor, inscribed to his colleague, the Czech-American violinist Jaroslav Siskovsky and dated September 17, 1916. Stassevitch is shown standing with a cigarette in his hand, and has inscribed at the lower right (translated from the French): "To my dear friend J. Siskovsky as a souvenir of my great friendship with him. P. Stassevitch, 17.9.16, Norway." A remnant of a caption at the head in Siskovsky's hand reads: "[my] most favorite colleague in Russia, Paul [Stassevitch]". Poor contrast to the inscription, and toning to the mount, with some further mounting remnants; overall very good. 6.75 x 9.25 inches (17 x 24 cm). Uncommon.Stassevitch was one of Leopold Auer's last students in St. Petersburg, and made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1924. He moved from New York to Chicago in the 1940's, where he taught at the Chicago Musical College and later at DePaul University. As director of the DePaul University Symphony, he played an important role in Chicago's musical life in the 1940's and 1950's. He was particularly known for his equal skill on violin and piano; later in life he recorded Franck's violin sonata, playing both parts and dubbing one over the other.
From the collection of Czech-American violinist Jaroslav Siskovksy, a student of Leopold Auer who went on to be a founding member of the New York String Quartet, with Ottokar Čadek, Bedrich Váška and Ludvik Schwab. (16241)
Signed Photograph Classical Music