A most unusual original drawing by the composer, depicting a Native American head medallion on page center, with a flute incorporated into his autograph signature at right, and a drawing of a violin at left. Signed "Igor Stravinsky / 31 Mars / 1935 / Winettka / U.S.A." and inscribed cryptically under the violin "C'est pas moi / c'est 'Le Frère' / S.D." ["It's not me, it's 'The Brother' S[amuel] D[ushkin]"]. The sheet verso inscribed at the head "With love, love + love / Samuel Dushkin / March 31, 1935" and with an additional drawing of an open piano below by pianist Beveridge Webster, humorously inscribed on the lid "B.W. / BeWare / Beveridge Webster," initialed three further times, and signed once again lower left "Beveridge Webster / Sans Pédales - Mais, Avec Admiration" ["Without pedals but with admiration"]. In fine condition. 8. 5 x 7 inches; 21.7 x 17.7 cm.
A remarkable set of autographs and drawings by Stravinsky and the violinist Samuel Dushkin, with whom he frequently performed and for whom he wrote his Violin Concerto and the Duo Concertante. David Dushkin, Samuel's brother, founded the Dushkin School of Music in Winnetka, Illinois and was host to a musical performance there at the time of the present inscription, while Stravinsky and Dushkin were touring the U.S. and during which time Stravinsky was composing the Violin Concerto. A review from the local press reports on the performance as follows:
"The David Dushkin home in Winnetka was crowded to capacity on Wednesday evening of last week when Mr. Dushkin's brother, Samuel Dushkin, violinist, and the famous composer, conductor, and pianist, Igor Stravinsky, gave a program of the latter's works. It was an ultra-modern concert all the way through, possibly a little bit too heavy for a "living-room" musicale, but magnificent, nevertheless. Mr. Dushkin reminded me of Heifetz in the superb way he played. His technique was faultless, and his tones were dynamic and vital. How happy Mr. Stravinsky must be to have found so successful an interpreter of his works! The Stravinsky compositions are highly original and full of trick phrasings and turns. They certainly keep you on your "toes" (intellectually) and keep you guessing as to what new rhythm or theme will come next. The most charming and two of the most popular selections of the program were the Berceuse and Scherzo from "The Fire Bird." (Vera McDermid, "Dushkin-Stravinsky Concert is Popular," in Wilmette Life, April 4, 1935).
The contribution from Webster, is also notable. The American pianist was a student of Isidor Philipp; Boulanger in Paris and later with Schnabel in London. A close friend and associate of Ravel, he premiered "Tzigane" with Dushkin in Paris 1924 and later gave premieres or made first recordings of many contemporary works, including pieces by Louise Talma, Roger Sessions, Roy Harris, Aaron Copland and Elliott Carter. An important teacher from an early age, he taught Yalta and Hepzibah Menuhin among others and taught at NEC (40-46) and at Juilliard for nearly 50 years!
A most unusual original drawing by the composer, depicting a Native American head medallion on page center, with a flute incorporated into his autograph signature at right, and a drawing of a violin at left. Signed "Igor Stravinsky / 31 Mars / 1935 / Winettka / U.S.A." and inscribed cryptically under the violin "C'est pas moi / c'est 'Le Frère' / S.D." ["It's not me, it's 'The Brother' S[amuel] D[ushkin]"]. The sheet verso inscribed at the head "With love, love + love / Samuel Dushkin / March 31, 1935" and with an additional drawing of an open piano below by pianist Beveridge Webster, humorously inscribed on the lid "B.W. / BeWare / Beveridge Webster," initialed three further times, and signed once again lower left "Beveridge Webster / Sans Pédales - Mais, Avec Admiration" ["Without pedals but with admiration"]. In fine condition. 8. 5 x 7 inches; 21.7 x 17.7 cm.
A remarkable set of autographs and drawings by Stravinsky and the violinist Samuel Dushkin, with whom he frequently performed and for whom he wrote his Violin Concerto and the Duo Concertante. David Dushkin, Samuel's brother, founded the Dushkin School of Music in Winnetka, Illinois and was host to a musical performance there at the time of the present inscription, while Stravinsky and Dushkin were touring the U.S. and during which time Stravinsky was composing the Violin Concerto. A review from the local press reports on the performance as follows:
"The David Dushkin home in Winnetka was crowded to capacity on Wednesday evening of last week when Mr. Dushkin's brother, Samuel Dushkin, violinist, and the famous composer, conductor, and pianist, Igor Stravinsky, gave a program of the latter's works. It was an ultra-modern concert all the way through, possibly a little bit too heavy for a "living-room" musicale, but magnificent, nevertheless. Mr. Dushkin reminded me of Heifetz in the superb way he played. His technique was faultless, and his tones were dynamic and vital. How happy Mr. Stravinsky must be to have found so successful an interpreter of his works! The Stravinsky compositions are highly original and full of trick phrasings and turns. They certainly keep you on your "toes" (intellectually) and keep you guessing as to what new rhythm or theme will come next. The most charming and two of the most popular selections of the program were the Berceuse and Scherzo from "The Fire Bird." (Vera McDermid, "Dushkin-Stravinsky Concert is Popular," in Wilmette Life, April 4, 1935).
The contribution from Webster, is also notable. The American pianist was a student of Isidor Philipp; Boulanger in Paris and later with Schnabel in London. A close friend and associate of Ravel, he premiered "Tzigane" with Dushkin in Paris 1924 and later gave premieres or made first recordings of many contemporary works, including pieces by Louise Talma, Roger Sessions, Roy Harris, Aaron Copland and Elliott Carter. An important teacher from an early age, he taught Yalta and Hepzibah Menuhin among others and taught at NEC (40-46) and at Juilliard for nearly 50 years!