Boulanger, Nadia. (1887 - 1979)
Signed Photograph
Doubleweight matte sepia photograph, signed and inscribed by the influential French composer, conductor and pedagogue: "for my dear friend Ruth Pratt in deep affection, in real gratefulness / Nadia Boulanger / June the 6th [19]39." An attractive image of Boulanger seated in front of an organ, inscribed to her friend who had helped to arrange her performances with the New York Philharmonic. Mounting traces on verso, else crisp and very fine. 13.5 x 13.5 cm.The present photograph was inscribed around the time of Boulanger's 1939 American tour. "The idea of a woman conductor was still novel enough to necessitate special pleading before boards of trustees. Richard Myers, her former student, and Ruth Pratt, a New York society woman, both members of the New York Philharmonic-Symphony's board, had persuaded the other members to invite Nadia to appear as guest-conductor with the orchestra. Although Damrosch had already retired, he was still influential. He too was solidly behind the idea." (Léonie Rosenstiel, "Nadia Boulanger: A life in Music," p. 300) (6316)
Signed Photograph Classical Music