Tansman, Alexandre. (1897–1986)
Signed Letter of Reference for Raymond Lewenthal
Typed letter signed from the French composer of Polish birth who was also a celebrated concert pianist, giving a reference for American pianist Raymond Lewenthal. January 2, 1946; 1 p. Tansman writes: "I had the opportunity to hear Mr. Raymond Leventhal play, and I was most impressed by his genuine talent and ability. His performances of music of different periods showed an excellent technical equipment, real musicality and perfect feeling of style. He has in my opinion a very brilliant pianistic future and deserves any possible encouragement. Alexandre Tansman." Rather wrinkled and toned with a loss at the upper right; overall very good. Together with a negative copy of the letter. 6.25 x 9.75 inches (15.9 x 25 cm).Raymond Lewenthal (1923–1988) was an American pianist. Lewenthal made his debut in 1948 with Dimitri Mitropoulos and the Philadelphia Orchestra. The occasion marked the first time a soloist had been invited to play Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 under Mitropoulos's direction—that being a work which the conductor was famous for playing himself. The success of this performance was followed a few weeks later by Lewenthal's New York recital debut. These events launched his North American career, which flourished until it came to a sudden halt in 1953; while walking through New York's Central Park, Lewenthal was attacked by a gang of hoodlums and suffered broken bones in his hands and arms. Although he did recover and return to performing, with a particular focus on the works of lesser-known Romantic composers, his career never quite lived up to the promise of his debut. (17309)
TLS Classical Music