Lieberson, Goddard. (1911–1977) [Diamond, David. (1915–2005)]

Two Typed Letters Signed from the Collection of DAVID DIAMOND

Two typed letters signed from the Columbia records executive to Sabina Diamond Cohen, the sister of American composer David Diamond. In the first, dated June 25, 1953, Lieberson writes: "Dear Sabina: Thank you for sending the letter along to David [...] I somehow had the idea that the Academy of Rome would find him. I am sure he will get it now." In the second, dated November 19, 1959, he writes: "Dear Sabina, Just a note to tell you that David's Fourth Symphony will probably be in the stores not before very late December or early January." Tape remnants to the corners; otherwise fine. 7.25 x 10.5 inches (18.5 x 26.7 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."

Diamond's nephew, Noal Cohen, recalled in a 2015 interview with radio station WXXI that "My mother, Sabina Diamond Cohen, was David’s keeper. She did everything for him, including paying his bills on time. Their relationship was a bit bizarre in that she was more a mother figure than a sibling, at least regarding routine matters of daily life. [...] My mother took care of the mundane daily responsibilities associated with David’s life, but he reciprocated by providing her with knowledge and tastes that he had acquired from his own extensive contacts, travels and experiences as a creative artist." (17549)


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