[American Modernist] Ives, Charles. (1874–1954)
Signed Contract for "Two Little Girls"
Very rare signed contract, signed "Chas. E. Ives" in his usual shaky script in ink. 1 page. May 31, 1940. The contract authorizes Arrow Music Press to publish the song "Two Little Flowers," in accordance with the terms printed therein, and as subsidized by the composer himself at a cost of $33.07. Ives's wife, Harmony, has added a note that the enclosed "cheque also includes cost of 'The Greatest Man.'" In very fine condition with two holes punched in top margin and measuring 8 x 10 inches.Though little appreciated during his lifetime, Ives is now regarded internationally as one of the great American classical composers of the 20th century. The song "Two Little Girls," is both one of his most famous songs and one of his latest (no. 120, 1921). Commenting on two little girls playing together in a backyard, the song "may be considered...as lying within the household/parlor/hearth-and-home tradition," though "the almost predictable diatonic vocal line is supported by a somewhat subversive accompaniment, an arching arpeggio not in triads but in fifths (D-A-E, to begin with), in a repeated cycle of seven eighth notes (not the conventional eight, in the 4/4 meter); and the climactic phrase of the voice part includes not only its highest pitch (e, a tenth above middle C) but culminates, astonishingly, in the lowest as well (b-flat below middle C)." (H. Wiley Hitchcock, Charles Ives 129 Songs - MUSA Vol. 12, p. xxxviii) (5055)
Signed Document/Item Classical Music