Autograph Letter Signed, with Signed Photograph to DAVID DIAMOND

Autograph letter signed from the highly influential composer, to American composer David Diamond, together with a signed photograph. June 14, 1949; 1 p. Schoenberg writes: "Dear Mr. Diamond: I am afraid I have no more copy of Weston's portrait of me. So I send you this by Alfred Carlson, which I like very much. I hope you find time to come once more. Most cordially yours, Arnold Schoenberg." He has signed and inscribed the photograph at the upper left: "To: Mr. David Diamond / cordially / Arnold Schoenberg." Letter with square of toning from a previous framing; photograph tipped to the foot of the letter (could be removed with caution.) Overall very good. Letter 7.25 x 10.5 inches (18.4 x 26.6 cm), photograph 4 x 5 inches (10.2 x 12.6 cm).

Alfred Carlson (1923–2005) was a composer and photographer who studied with Schoenberg in his private seminars and helped found the Arnold Schoenberg Institute at USC. Schoenberg jokingly referred to the present image of himself by Carlson as "Schopenhauer." (See: Schoenberg's Correspondence with American Composers, ed. Sabine Feisst, p. 739.)

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." (17570)

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Classical Music

Autograph Letter

Signed Photograph

• Sold