Enormous Presentation Photograph of the Vienna Philharmonic Inscribed to Massenet

A remarkable large presentation heliogravure photograph by Victor Angerer with inset oval images of each of the 110 players of the Vienna Philharmonic and in the center, its conductor Gustav Mahler. Gifted to composer Jules Massenet by the orchestra and inscribed in a neat calligraphic hand at the top "Souvenir / offert à M. Massenet / Vienne, Mars 1902." 42.5 x 49 cm. With several scuffs and a few chipped areas, several layers of grime over the image. In unfortunate condition, but a historic association and a piece worthy of restoration.

Massenet greatly admired Mahler's conducting and they met in 1895 when Massenet came to Hamburg to supervise Mahler's preparations of the first performance there of his " Werther." Though he prepared the work with care and "was largely responsible for the success" of the work, he "thought Massenet's 'affront to Goethe's work' criminal and 'worthy of forced labor'...from then on he nicknamed the work 'Mein Allerwertherster,' ( 'My Most Esteemed' - that is, 'My Behind')." (La Grange, "Mahler", p. 342) (6618)

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Signed Photograph

Classical Music

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