Grainger, Percy. (1882–1961)

Autograph Letter

An interesting autograph letter from the well-regarded Australian-born pianist, conductor, and composer best known for his folk settings and colorfully experimental works. One page both sides, 6 x 3, black bordered notecard, May 18, 1922. Letter of thanks sent after the passing of Grainger’s mother. In part, “I am so glad you realized how mother & I were all and all to each other & I shall look forward to the time when we meet. It is a hard struggle but I long to live & work so as to make her memory shine.”



Grainger's first known composition, "A Birthday Gift to Mother", is dated 1893 and, until her death, he had a famously strange and over-intimate relationship with her, incorrectly assumed by many to have been incestuous. In 1922, she committed suicide by jumping from the building where her son’s manager, Antonia Sawyer, had her office. (8284)
Autograph Letter
Classical Music