Gencer, Leyla. (1928–2008) [Magaloff, Nikita. (1912–1992)]

Signed Photograph

Original color photograph of the noted Turkish bel canto soprano, inscribed and signed on the verso to pianist Nikita Magaloff and his wife Irene. Gencer is shown in a fur hat and coat in front of a mirror, and has penned on the verso (translated from the Italian): "Christmas '83 / Dearest Irene and Nikita, Here is the photograph that the Maestro liked. All the best for Christmas and the New Year, also from Ibr. / Leyla." Small piece of mounting tape on verso, otherwise very fine. 7 x 5 inches (18.3 x 12.7 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. (18045)


Signed Photograph
Classical Music
Opera