Press, Mikhail. (1871–1938)
Signed Photograph
Rare signed photograph of the Russian-American violinist, conductor and music educator. He is shown in a large sepia portrait photograph by Hänse Herrmann of Berlin, and has inscribed and signed at the lower right, dating December 11, 1927, New York. 8.5 x 11 inches (21.7 x 28.3 cm), tipped to a larger mount of 11 x 14 inches (28 x 35.5 cm). Blind-stamped by the photographer at the lower left of the photograph and on the mount. Mount rather toned but overall fine.Violinist Mikhail Press was professor at the Philharmonic Society Conservatory in Moscow from 1901 to 1904. Press played in chamber music ensembles and in 1905 organized the Russian Trio, a piano trio which also included his wife Vera Maurina as pianist (graduate of Moscow Conservatory), and his brother Joseph Press, a gifted cellist. From 1915 to 1918, Press taught at the Moscow Conservatory. He narrowly escaped execution during the Russian Revolution and fled to Germany and Gothenburg, Sweden where he conducted the Gothenburg Symphony for two years. Press migrated to the United States and made his debut in 1922. He joined the violin faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music in 1924, and later taught at Michigan State College. Also a conductor and composer, Press served as guest conductor with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Boston Symphony Orchestra. (17734)
Signed Photograph Classical Music