Neruda, Wilma. [Lady Hallé; Wilhelmine Maria Franziska Neruda] (1838–1911)
Signed Photograph
Signed cabinet photograph of the notable 19th-century violinist. She is shown in a vignette photograph by Elliott & Fry and has signed "Wilma Hallé / (Norman-Neruda)" at the upper right. Some very slight edge wear and toning; otherwise very fine overall. 4.25 x 6.5 inches (10.8 x 16.7 cm)."Perhaps the dominating woman violinistic personality of the 19th century was Wilma Maria Francisca Neruda, subsequently known as Norman-Neruda and Lady Hallé, through her marriages to Ludwig Norman and Sir Charles Hallé. Her career was eminently international, and she was often referred to as 'the woman Joachim' (they played the Bach D-minor Double Concerto together in 1892). So reliable an observer as Flesch said: 'She played wholly in Joachim's spirit...although I could not hear a truly personal note, her playing (in three Beethoven sonatas) left an extraordinary profound impression on me.' Hanslick, too, spoke glowingly of her playing as a child: 'notwithstanding the smallness of her hands,' and Vieuxtemps induced her to be concertmistress for a series of orchestral concerts in London. Neruda's career as a soloist was triumphant, and in later years she organized a successful ladies' string quartet." (Henry Roth, "Violin Virtuosos," p. 310) (16621)
Classical Music Signed Photograph