Separately issued special printing ("Sonderdruck") of Erhardt's contribution to the larger collection of essays on the conductor. Paper wrappers. [i] 230-251 pp. This copy boldly signed and inscribed on the blank first page in fountain pen ink to Dimitri Mitropoulos and dated New York, 25 April 1956. Wrappers chipped along spine edge and slightly soiled, otherwise very fine throughout.  6.5 x 9.5 inches; 16.5 x 24 cm. 

A most interesting association copy inscribed by the German-born opera stage director Dr. Otto Erhardt who worked throughout Europe, the U.S and eventually served as the production director at the Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires.

Dimitri Mitropoulos was Greece’s most prolific conductor and New York Philharmonic Music Director from 1949-1958.  Widely regarded as one of the most significant conductors of the twentieth century, he is best remembered for his significant recorded legacy and for his commitment in bringing new compositions to the stage of major symphony orchestras.  Indeed, it is thanks to his efforts that many of our current symphonic standards made their way into the repertory.  He gave World and American premiers of seminal works such as Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 and Schoenberg’s Erwartung, as well as other major works by Schoenberg, Shostakovich, Prokofiev, and many others.  His personal collection has been held in private hands since his death in 1960, when it passed to conductor James Dixon, his student and protégé.  Mitropoulos came to consider Dixon his son, introducing him to conductors and performing arts institutions around the world, jumpstarting his career.  When Mitropoulos died in 1960 he left all his belongings, including his scores, to Dixon.  The bulk of the musical library has been subsequently gifted to the University of Iowa’s music library, but a selection of rare items have been selected to be offered for sale exclusively by Schubertiade Music & Arts.