Blitzstein, Marc. (1905–1964) [Diamond, David. (1915–2005)]
Signed Photograph to David Diamond
Signed photograph of the American composer, lyricist and librettist, inscribed to fellow composer David Diamond. Blitzstein has penned at the upper left: "For David, who 'looks like a Chinaman'—Marc / July 23 1939." Stamped on the verso by Lucas & Pritchard of New York. Two thumb prints and a light scratch to the image; small tear at the left edge, repaired with tape on the verso. Overall very good. 8 x 10 inches (20.4 x 25.4 cm).Marcus Blitzstein won national attention in 1937 when his pro-union musical The Cradle Will Rock, directed by Orson Welles, was shut down by the Works Progress Administration. He is particularly known for The Cradle Will Rock and for his Off-Broadway translation/adaptation of The Threepenny Opera by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, as well as for operas, musicals, and film music.
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." (17535)
Classical Music Unsigned Photograph