Diamond, David. (1915–2005) & Bernstein, Leonard. (1918–1990) 1953 Photograph in Florence

Diamond, David. (1915–2005) & Bernstein, Leonard. (1918–1990)

1953 Photograph in Florence

Reproduction photograph of the two American composers and friends together in Florence in 1953, with annotations on the verso in Diamond's hand: "Florence, after performance of my Romeo & Juliet Music / 1953 / LB / DD." Bernstein is shown seated, holding a cigarette, while Diamond stands smiling and looking down at him. On the verso is a label showing that the photograph was reproduced in a publication by Watson Guptill. Very fine. 8 x 10 inches (20.3 x 25.3 cm).

From the collection of David Diamond, considered one of the preeminent American composers of his generation. He enjoyed wide success in the 1940's and 1950's, before the serial and modernist trends largely pushed him into the shadows. The New York Times described him as "part of what some considered a forgotten generation of great American symphonists, including Howard Hanson, Roy Harris, William Schuman, Walter Piston and Peter Mennin." Leonard Bernstein was one of Diamond's champions, premiering and recording several of his symphonies. (17534)

Classical Music Unsigned Photograph