Nikisch, Arthur. (1855-1922)
Early Signed Cabinet Photograph
Rare early photograph of the great conductor, boldly signed in the the lower margin at age 28 and dated "Leipzig, 11 August 83." Cabinet photograph by W. Kuffert, slight losses and chipping along upper edge, otherwise fine. By far the earliest signed image of Nikisch we've seen, well before he trimmed his beard and mustache into the small and pointy figuration which became his trademark (and often caricatured) look!Born in Hungary, in 1878 he moved to Leipzig and became second conductor of the Leipzig Opera in 1878 and in 1882, was promoted as principal conductor. He gave the premiere of Anton Bruckner's Symphony No. 7 in 1884, the year after the present image was signed. Regarded as one of the founders of modern conducting , Nikisch held posts as principal conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Gewandausorchester in Leipzig and the Berlin Philharmonic. (4619)
Signed Photograph Classical Music