Roussel, Albert. (1869–1937) [Diamond, David. (1915–2005)]
Autograph Note Signed on a Visiting Card to DAVID DIAMOND
Autograph note signed from the prominent French composer, penned on a visiting card printed with his name and address and requesting a ticket to a performance for the young American composer David Diamond. June 10, 1937. Roussel writes (translated from the French): "Would you please give a seat to M. David Diamond, American composer, for one of the performances at the Comédie des Ch[amps]-Ely[sées]." Remnants of tape to the verso and edges; overall very good. 3.25 x 2.5 inches (8.5 x 6.2 cm). This autograph dates from the final months of Roussel's life; he died on August 23, 1937.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."
"On Diamond's second visit to Paris in 1937, he joined the class of Nadia Boulanger at Fontainebleau. He was introduced to Igor Stravinsky, who listened to a four-hand piano version of Diamond's just-written Psalm for orchestra. With a few revisions based on Stravinsky's appraisal, Psalm won the 1937 Juilliard Publication Award, and was among the compositions influencing his receipt of a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1938." (www.daviddiamond.org) (17542)
Classical Music Signed Document/Item