Morini, Erica. (1904–1995)
Early Signed Postcard Photograph
A rare early signed postcard photograph of the important Austrian violinist, a child prodigy who made her later career in the United States. Certainly the earliest signed photograph of Morini we've ever encountered, signed in pencil in a child's block letters ca. 1910 and well in advance of her official debut. Morini is shown seated as a young girl, wearing a white dress and holding her rather-too-large violin against her chest, in a portrait by Atelier Glantz of Vienna. Signed in pencil at the foot. From the collection of Harry Idle, a fellow student of Otokar Sevcik. Toning, with somewhat poor contrast to the signature (best visible at an angle); otherwise fine overall. 3.25 x 5.25 inches (8.5 x 13.5 cm).Morini was born into a musical family in Vienna and received her first violin lessons from her father at age 3. She was accepted into Ottakar Sevcik's class at the Vienna Conservatoire aged only 8, and made her German debut under Nikisch in 1916. One of the finest violinists of the 20th century, she was the first woman to record many concerto repertoire staples, including Brahms, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Mendelssohn. The elderly Kreisler said Morini performed his pieces better than he ever had, and Heifetz apparently turned to Morini for coaching on his staccato-playing! (16459)
Signed Photograph Classical Music