Group of Letters to Raymond Lewenthal

A remarkable group of 18 autograph and typed letters signed from the American virtuoso pianist Shura Cherkassky and his mother, pianist and teacher Lydia Cherkassky, to fellow pianist Raymond Lewenthal. 12 of the letters and postcards date from 1957–1958, a period during which Lewenthal was studying with Alfred Cortot in Siena and beginning to perform in London. Cherkassky, as an older and well-established pianist, and his mother Lydia, who had been Lewenthal's teacher, offer him a generous degree of support and encouragement, and also report on Cherkassky's own touring and performances. The 6 further letters and postcards date from 1969 to 1973, and find the two pianists having fallen largely out of touch, but hoping to be reunited. Complete details of the letters are listed below. In very good to fine condition overall, a touching record of the friendship between the two pianists.

Alexander (Shura) Cherkassky was born in Odessa, Ukraine; Cherkassky's family fled to the United States to escape the Russian Revolution. Cherkassky's first music lessons were from his mother, Lydia Cherkassky, who once played for Tchaikovsky in St. Petersburg. She also taught the pianist Raymond Lewenthal. In the United States, Cherkassky continued his piano studies at the Curtis Institute of Music under Josef Hofmann. Rising to fame in the 1940's in the United States and internationally, Cherkassky debuted at the Wigmore Hall in 1957 and later settled in London, where he lived until his death. His mother, Lydia Cherkassky, died in Nice in 1961.

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. His North American 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. After a long and difficult recovery, he returned to performing, largely internationally, but never quite regained the American success his debut had pointed to. His later career was dedicated in large part to the works of lesser-known Romantic composers, especially Charles-Valentin Alkan.

1. ALS, Nice, June 23, 1957; 1 p. on a postcard. Cherkassky writes that he is glad to hear Lewenthal is coming to Europe: "please let me know if there is anything at all that I can do for you, that is in my power."
2. ALS, Bad Schinznach (Switzerland), July 10, 1957; 2 pp. Lydia Cherkassky writes: "I am so happy and proud for you!" and encourages Lewenthal to be in touch with "Mme. Lillet, the manager of Shura in England. [...] He wants very much to help you, because he is, as myself, [sure] that you are the greatest talent and already a great artist."

3. ALS, Bad Schinznach, July 28, 1957; 1 p.. Lydia Cherkassky writes that she is "on the cure in Schweiz, feel little bit better" and expresses hope that Shura can assist in Lewenthal's career: "Shura take car [sic] of you; he trys to have audition for your record in His Master Voice and spoke of you and showed your record to his manager, best in Europe." 

4. ALS, Nice, October 20, 1957; 2 pp. Lydia Cherkassky offers advice about the meaning of feedback Lewenthal has received: "[Shura says that] 'hear in public' means in BBC public; if they did not like they would tell openly that they are not interested [...] We wish you to get everything you deserve; this busness [sic] can never be very quick made; must to have patience."

5. ALS, Nice, November 27, 1957; 2 pp. Lydia Cherkassky congratulates Lewenthal on a success in England: "England is a very difficult country for artist especially BBC," and recommends that he perform Tchaikovsky's Theme and Variations in A minor: "you will perform this piece wonderfully with a great success." 

6. ALS, Belgrade, December 25, 1957; 2 pp. Cherkassky writes from Belgrade after a recital where "Success was so fabulous, it's hard to describe. People screamed, stood up, surrounded piano during encores, etc..." but is disappointed that "nobody every invited me for a cup of coffee, can you imagine? [...] So Raymond, this career is most unsatisfactory personally. Therefore my new year resolutions: I'm going to ask for a lot of money for all concerts in cities where I don't know people. Otherwise I will refuse tours." He continues to discuss plans for the rest of his tour, asks "How was your recital at Horovitz'?" and wishes Lewenthal a happy new year. 

7. ALS, Nice, [August?] 20, 1957; 1 p. on a postcard. Cherkassky writes that Lewenthal's "Scriabin record is at the BBC in London - they will only listen to it in a few weeks' time."

8. TLS, Nice, March 6, 1958; 1 p. Cherkassky writes he is "very happy that your recital went so well, only sorry I haven't been there. I am sure that gradually this will bring result in England."

9. TLS, Nice, April 28, 1958; 2 pp. Cherkassky consoles Lewenthal over a bad review: "you can not please everybody. Its possible when you play next time in London all will be different, and I think you should play in London again," and offers advice about contacting HMV Records. 

10. TLS, Nice, June 13, 1958; 1 p. Cherkassky writes: "I hope your concert last night in Manchester was great success," and apologizes that his telegram to the concert hall was never delivered.

11. ALS, Hong Kong, July 1, 1958; 1 p. on a postcard. Cherkassky is "having the most extraordinary time [...] Hong Kong is fabulous."

12. TLS, Nice, December 20, 1958; 2 pp. Cherkassky mentions his tour to Algiers and Hamburg and reports: "Nothing new here, I practice and practice and do nothing else." He encourages Lewenthal to continue to perform in Europe: "Of course its all very difficult when one does not have money, I know too well, as really you need again, again, and again play in London, Amsterdam, Paris Stockholm, etc. Does not matter if criticisms are not always sensational, one has to try, try and persiti [sic] and finally oen arrives, but that takes money." 

13. Telegram, February 23, 1969. Cherkassky sends "Best wishes for great success" to Lewenthal at the Royal Albert Hall, London.

14. TLS, London, April 10, 1971; 1 p. Cherkassky writes he is "glad that the tour to South Africa came off, and I know you will be greatly received there [...] I hope while in South Africa, you will say in notes a bit about my dear Mother. It would be nice."

15. ALS, London, June 6, 1971; 1 p. on a postcard. Cherkassky writes: "So glad to hear from you and to know you had such success in South Africa," and mentions his summer travel plans.

16. ALS, London, March 30, 1972; 1 p. on a postcard. Brief note from Cherkassky together with a note from another friend. This postcard is unfortunately adhered to another autograph postcard, likely impossible to remove without damage.

17. ALS, Crete, June 13, 1972; 1 p. on a postcard. Cherkassky writes from vacation in Greece: "Wish we would meet. When will this be? Only when you come to Europe, please let me know."

18. TLS, London, September 13, 1973; 1 p. Cherkassky writes he is sorry they have not been more often in touch, and wishes Lewenthal luck with the book he is writing. He goes on to discuss a mutual acquaintance, Evelyn Dallas: "Poor thing, I am afraid she lives in illusions, hillisulations, if I spelled it right?" and a strange letter they have received from her. Together with copies of three related letters from Lewenthal, regarding Evelyn Dallas' will.  (17322)

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