Heger, Robert. (1886–1978)
Signed Photograph
Candid photograph of the German conductor and the German impresario Hans Sellschopp (1891–1978) being greeted by John Charles of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society outside the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool. Matted, with Heger's signature to lower margin. The location and the persons are identified in the upper margin, in Charles's hand; however, Sellschopp is misspelled "Schellschopff." Oblong format, 9 x 11 inches (22.7 x 28 cm). Upper margin stained and slightly bumped; else in fine condition.Heger, who had also some success as a composer, and Sellschopp were both deeply involved in Nazi music politics. Sellschopp, a member of the NSDAP since 1931 and later also in the SS, held a highly ranked position in the Reichsmusikkammer. After the war, both Sellschopp and Heger strove for a reconciliation between Germany and the United Kingdom. Heger, who had been a regular guest conductor at Covent Garden until 1935, introduced Richard Strauss's final opera Capriccio to England in 1953. Sellschopp frequently came to Coventry from 1962 and organized a performance of Benjamin Britten's War Requiem under the composer's baton in the Baroque abbey of Ottobeuren, Bavaria, in 1964.
From the collection of English orchestra manager John Charles.
(22921)Signed Photograph Classical Music