Lipatti, Dinu. (1917-1950)
Autograph Letter
An important and very rare autograph letter. 1 page. Valence, May 4, 1948. Addressed to the composer Marcel Mihalovici in Paris ("Tres cher Ami"), and sold together with the original transmissal envelope, signed on the verso in pencil. The letter with usual folds, written and signed in full in blue ink, in very fine condition.In full: "Une cruelle fatalité veut que chaque passage à Paris me soit une source de souffrance, puisque je n’arrive pratiquement pas à faire ce qui me tient au coeur. Ainsi, et parmi les premières choses, vous voir plus à l’aise et plus longuement que dans les coulisses des salles de concerts où vous avez la gentillesse de venir fidèlement. Il n'y a que deux possibilities: 1). votre arriveé a Geneve que je souhait vivement ou 2) mon arrivee a Paris (sans concerts!) pour reussir enfin a passer un moment chez vous et bavarder sur milles et une choses. Dans l'espoir que vous me pardonnerez, je vous prie de transmettre a Madame Monique Hass mes hommages et mas plus sincere et totale admiration et en ettendant la prochaine occasion de vous voir que je ne manquerai plus, je vous adresse l'expression de ma vielle et fidele amitite."
["A cruel fate wants that each trip to Paris is to me a source of suffering, since I find myself unable to achieve that which I hold closest to my heart. Thus, and among the first of these things, to visit it with you more at ease and at greater length than in the aisles of the concert halls where you have the kindness to come so devotedly. There are only two possibilities: 1) your arrival in Geneva which I await anxiously or 2) my arrival in Paris (without concerts!) to succeed finally in passing a moment at your home to chit-chat about a thousand and one things. In the hope that you will forgive me, please transmit to Mrs. Monique Hass my homages and most sincere and total admiration and my awaiting the next occasion to see you that I will not again miss, I address to you the expression of my old and faithful friendship."]
Marcel Mihalovici (1898 - 1985) was a French composer born in Romania. Many of his piano works were first performed by his wife, the celebrated concert pianist Monique Haas, mentioned in the present letter.
Dinu Lipatti died of Hodgkin's disease at the age of 33, in December of 1950. Considered one of the finest pianists of the 20th century, he left an impressive recorded legacy despite the brevity of his performing career. Autograph material of any kind is very uncommon. The present letter mentioning his busy performance schedule, his admiration of Monique Haas, and a foreboding mention of "cruel fate," is remarkable indeed. (5402)
Autograph Letter Classical Music