Backhaus, Willhelm. (1884–1969) [Magaloff, Nikita. (1912–1992)] Signed Photograph

Backhaus, Willhelm. (1884–1969) [Magaloff, Nikita. (1912–1992)]

Signed Photograph

Signed photograph from the important German pianist, inscribed to pianist Nikita Magaloff. Backhaus is shown standing with his arm on the piano and has penned at the head of the photograph: "To my dear colleague and good friend Nikita Magaloff / Wilhelm Backhaus / May 14th, 1963." A note on the verso in another hand indicates the photo was taken at Backhaus' concert in Bad Godesberg on May 6, 1962. Stamped on the verso by Camillo Fischer of Bonn. Rather wrinkled with one strong diagonal crease; inscription with poor contrast, best visible at an angle; overall very good. 9.5 x 7 inches (23.8 x 17.5 cm).

From the collection of Georgian-Russian pianist Nikita Magaloff and his wife Irene, the daughter of violinist Joseph Szigeti. Magaloff, born to a noble Georgian family in St. Petersburg, was influenced by family friend Serge Prokofiev and studied with Siloti and Isidor Philipp. Among the friends he made studying at the Paris Conservatory was Maurice Ravel, who considered him "a great, a truly extraordinary musician." He was especially known as the first pianist to record the complete works of Chopin, and for his elegant, refined style, which became more daring later in life. (18044)

Signed Photograph Classical Music