Nevin, Arthur. (1871–1943)
"Poia" - Autograph Musical Quotation
Autograph musical quotation from the American composer's opera based on legends from the Blackfoot tribe of Montana, Poia. He has penned four measures, identified as the "Poia motive," and inscribed and signed below, dating Berlin, 1907. Light toning; overall fine. 7.25 x 4.5 inches (18.3 x 11.1 cm).In 1903 and 1904, Nevin spent the summers living with the Blackfoot tribe in Montana, using the opportunity to study their music and folklore. He soon became recognized as an expert on Indian culture, and his interest in the Blackfoot led to the composition of an opera, Poia, on the subject of one of their legends. After the opera's concert debut in 1907, Theodore Roosevelt invited Nevin to the White House to give an illustrated talk on his work, but further interest from the American musical establishment was not forthcoming; Poia was instead given its controversial stage premiere on April 23, 1910 at the Royal Opera House in Berlin, in a German translation crafted in part by the composer's former teacher, Humperdinck. From there it fell into obscurity, so far revived only once, in 2005. (16266)
AMQS Classical Music