Walter, Bruno. (1876–1962)
Two Signed Letters - A Recommendation for Raymond Lewenthal
Typed letter signed from the important conductor, recommending the American pianist Raymond Lewenthal. Together with a further brief accompanying TLS to Lewenthal, sending the letter of reference. September 24, 1945. Walter writes: "To Whom It May Concern, I heard Mr. Raymond Lewenthal playing at the contest of the University of California, and it gives me pleasure to say what favorable impression his performing has made on me. His is the nature of a virtuoso and at the same time his technical talent has not prevented him from expressing the spiritual content of the music he plays with genuine understanding and feeling. I think Mr. Lewenthal could be able to make an excellent career as a pianist. Bruno Walter." Rather toned with folding creases; overall very good. 8 x 10 inches (20.2 x 25 cm). Accompanying letter in fine condition, 8.5 x 11 inches (21.5 x 27.8 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. (17312)
TLS Classical Music