Signed Program

Signed program from a performance by the baritone ca. 1950, his signature to front page together with additional signatures from pianist William Allen and Duncan's wife, Gladys Jackson Duncan, who has signed "Mrs. Todd Duncan."  The performance included vocal music from Handel, Scarlatti, Brahms, Richard Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Hely-Hutchinson, Bridge, Verdi, and a selection of "Negro Spirituals."  An unknown hand has amended Mussorgsky's "Song of the Flea"  before the intermission.  Vertical and horizontal crease, two-inch horizontal tear along crease, else good.  Together with an unsigned program for 1953–54 performance at Civic Auditorium in Seattle, surface creases else fine, and two unsigned programs for a joint recital at the same venue in 1955–56 with soprano Camilla Williams, very fine.  6.25 x 9.5 inches (15.9 x 24.1 cm.).

Duncan originated the role of Porgy in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess at the Alvin Theater in 1935.  He made his debut with the New York City Opera in the same year, playing Tonio in Pagliacci, making him the first black member of the company.  Also active in musical theater, Duncan's performance in Weill’s Lost in the Stars won him the Donalson and New York Drama Critics Award in 1950. (19273)

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Classical Music

Theater

Opera

Signed Document/Item

• Sold