Mar 31, 2001, The B. H. Manuscript/Collectible/Philatelic Sale, Sale 9
Lot 427
Khachaturian, Aram
(1903-1978). Armenian composer who created symphonies and ballets,
concertos for the piano, violin, and cello as well as film scores and music
for the Armenian national anthem.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Aram
Khachaturian"). Two pages, oblong quarto, n.p., n.d. In black ink. To a
friend, Valentina Savona from Baku in Soviet Azerbaijan. With one
horizontal and one vertical fold. In fine condition.
In a very warm
correspondence, the musical master describes his faux pas regarding a
telegram to a mutual friend: "Please forgive me for answering late. I
received a small postcard from Sofia Vasilevna, and after your letter I
answered with a big congratulations telegram... There is one thing
bothering me -- that I put my signature with all my official titles. I
thought that the anniversary telegram would be read in front of all the
famous people, and I thought that the public should know who is sending the
congratulations." After discussing his absent-minded tendencies of
habitually misplacing addresses, Khachaturian returns to the previous
issue: "I sent the telegram under the ... street name ... that is
probably the name of her street. I'm afraid she didn't receive my
telegram."
Finally, he ends the letter with an invitation to his
friend: "Please say hello to your spouse Isaak
Konstantinovich...If I would have a chance to stop at Baku, I'd
really appreciate the opportunity to tell you about my inventions."
Interestingly, Konstantinovich was a Russian thermonuclear scientist who
contributed to an important report warning that the use of atomic weapons
would emit concentrations of radioactive substances, biologically
destructive to vegetation and human life.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,300.
Lot 428
Korngold, Erich
Wolfgang (1897-1957) Austrian born composer. A child prodigy whose
early successes on the concert stage were matched by his triumphs in
Hollywood, where he won Oscars for the scores of Anthony Adverse and
The Adventures of Robin Hood.
Autograph Musical Quotation
Signed ("Erich Wolfgang Korngold"). One page, 6½ x 4",
Vienna, September 1921. Being four measures from Korngold's opera
Violanta. Minor toning at edges, otherwise in fine
condition.
Violanta premiered in Munich in 1916 (Korngold was
only 18!) in a joint performance with his first opera, Der Ring des
Polykrates. Although he is best remembered for his amazing film scores,
the Korngold legacy does include wonderful chamber music and moving Lieder
as well as operas. Puccini said of Korngold, "He has so much talent that he
could easily give us half - and still have enough left for himself!" .
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 429
Mancinelli, Luigi
(1848-1921). Italian cellist and conductor whose popularity was rivaled
only by that of Toscannini.
Autograph Note Signed ("L.
Mancinelli"). On a single duodecimo sheet, recto and verso, n.p., n.d.
Being a personalized calling card. In black ink. To Max Hirsok, Esquire.
With water stains affecting several words on the recto, and residue from an
adhesive on the verso. In fair to good condition.
In a short note,
the conductor makes a quick request, and offers his "many thanks" in
return.
Estimated Value $75-125.
Lot 430
Massenet, Jules (Emile
Frédéric) (1842-1912). French composer whose operas
include Le Cid and Werther.
Autograph Note Signed
("J. Massenet"). In French. On a single duodecimo sheet, n.p., n.d.
Being a personalized calling card. In black ink. In excellent condition.
Here, Massenet writes a lengthy note regarding the opera: "My dear
friend / I am absolutely obliged to stay at the opera for serious business,
can you excuse me?" He then mentions that he will be staying near a Mr.
Delain (?) on whom he is counting for a certain assistance.
Estimated
Value $100-150.
Lot 431
Pavlova, Anna
(1881-1931). Russian ballerina, most celebrated dancer of her time.
Signed Photograph ("Anna Pavlova"). Sepia toned, 3½ x
5½", n.p., n.d. Printed postcard signed in black to the left of Miss
Pavlova's image. Minor crease across bottom left corner. In fine to very
fine condition.
A charming portrait of a young Pavlova in elaborate
costume. Her dramatic signature is what one would expect from such a
dynamic performer.
Estimated Value $300-500.
Lot 432
Puccini, Giacomo
(1858-1924). Italian composer best known for La Boheme,
Tosca and Madame Butterfly. The "King of Verismo," his operas
concentrate on everyday life's emotional dramas and passions.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Your Giacomo"). In Italian. Two
pages, octavo, Torre del Lago, Tuscany, May 18, 1921. On Puccini's Torre
del Lago stationery. To Rose Ader ("My adored Rosa"). Accompanied by
the hand addressed transmittal envelope and a very nice postcard portrait
of Puccini. Two very small stains on recto, one faint horizontal and one
faint vertical crease. In fine condition.
Underlines and exclamation
points dot this passionate missive, which reads like an aria: "...I
think how happy I would be if I had you close (to me). But I was born
unlucky in love! How I would like to see you! I can't forget the few hours
in Venice! They revolve in my mind all the particulars of these brief
moments, which are eternal in my soul and in my heart...I read through your
little letters again and kiss them as I would kiss all of you, my adored
one..." There is certainly more, however in the interest of
discretion...
Puccini once said, "I am almost always in love!" and
our letter vividly illustrates his strength of feeling.
Estimated Value
$1,250-1,750.
Lot 433
Puccini, Giacomo.
Autograph Letter Signed ("G. Puccini"). In Italian. One page,
large octavo, Viareggio, July 30, 1914. On Villa Motta letterhead. To
Bianca Lendvai. Addressed and stamped on verso, minor adhesive residue on
verso. Condition is very good to fine.
This Puccini letter features
excellent content and context, both musical and personal: "I have
received your most kind letters and thank you so much for remembering me. I
am so pleased to find you so happy on beautiful Margherita Island. Here
there are so many Hungarians, and Viareggio is getting bigger and bigger. I
am working and happy with the libretto of Willner and Adami. -- The little
opera will be finished by spring -- not before...All happy wishes, because
you truly deserve them..." The work in question is assuredly La
Rondine, which premiered in March 1917. Bianca Lendvai and Puccini had
an intense affair a few years before the date of this letter, but the
language and tone here indicate they were probably past the torrid period.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 434
Rubinstein, Anton
(1829-1894). Russian composer and educator. Wildly popular as one of
the premier pianists of the 19th century, today his works are largely
neglected.
Autograph Musical Quotation Signed ("Ant.
Rubinstein") . One page, small quarto, Berlin, February 28, 1879. Some
toning at edges, overall condition very good to fine.
Seven bars of
music are transcribed above Rubinstein's strong signature. Fittingly,
Rubinstein has penned the melody line -- as was the case with Lizst, his
playing concentrated on character and melody, rather than technique.
Rubinstein also compared music notes to hieroglyphics that must be
deciphered -- an interesting analogy in our case, as we are unable to
identify the work from which this quotation is derived. A poem is inscribed
and signed below the musical quotation, so we assume this page came from a
collector's album.
Estimated Value $500-750.
Lot 435
Shostakovich, Dmitry
(1906-1975). Russian composer. Widely regarded as the greatest
symphonist of the mid 20th century, Shostakovich was condemned twice by the
Russian government for his avant-garde works, but finally gained artistic
freedom after the death of Stalin.
Autograph Envelope Signed
("D. Shostakovich"). One page, octavo, n.p., n.d. In blue ink.
Printed with red Communist signature at upper left and red postage stamp at
upper right. Postmarked, and cancelled. Torn at right edge from letter
removal, with 1½" tear and small loss, both to verso. In fine
condition overall.
Interestingly, despite the fact that he had been
publicly threatened and several of his family members had suffered due to
Stalin's "Great Terror", here Shostakovich addresses this envelope to the
Concert Music Editorial Office in Moscow -- possibly submitting his work
for "official" approval.
Estimated Value $350-450.
Lot 436
Stravinsky, Igor
(1882-1971). Russian born composer. With Rite of Spring in 1913,
Stravinsky heralded the arrival of truly modern music as he never ceased
experimenting with, and reinventing, musical forms. Named Time Magazine's
Most Influential Classical Musician of the 20th Century.
Typed
Letter Signed ("I Str"). One page, 5½ x 8½",
Hollywood, July 14, 1958. To Arnold Weissberger, Stravinsky's attorney and
business manager. Signed in red ballpoint pen. Two filing holes at left
edge, two very faint vertical creases, stamped "JUL 16 1958" at upper
right. In fine condition.
This informal business correspondence
reads: "Please wait for Vera's decision RE Santa Fe affair. We will tell
you about it in 10 days in New York...Leaving Hollywood for New York by
train this coming Sunday (evening)." The Stravinskys were on their way
to New York to board the Christoforo Colombo for Europe.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 437
Toscanini, Arturo
(1867-1957). Italian conductor, a virtuoso known for the dynamic
intensity and detailed phrasing of his interpretations.
Signed
Photograph ("Arturo Toscanini"). Sepia toned, 7 x 10", n.p., n.d.
Signed in blue ink across hand and white cuff. Stamped verso, "Arturo
Toscanini / Conductor, N.Y. Philharmonic Orchestra". One minor scuff at
black sleeve. Tiny mark at bottom border. Overall in fine
condition.
A striking ¾ profile with dramatic lighting
accenting Toscanini's face and hands.
Estimated Value $350-500.
Lot 438
Two Composers. Lot
of two items relating to two prolific composers. 1. Adam, Adolphe
(Charles). (1803-1856). Autograph Letter Signed ("Ad. Adam").
Two pages, 5 x 4", n.d., n.p. On personally embossed stationery.To Monsieur
de la Pelouza (?). Minor age toning, mailing fold, two small spots. Overall
condition very good to fine. 2. D'Albert, Eugen. (1864-1932).
Autograph Musical Quotation Signed ("Eugene d'Albert"). One page,
quarto, Berlin, January 26, 1883. Penciled notation at right, light soil,
otherwise very fine.
Adolphe's letter concerns a review and his
absence from public life: ".it is because I was in bed three weeks and
performed two little operas."
Estimated Value $225-325.
Lot 439
Verdi, Giuseppe
(1813-1901). The leading 19th century Italian composer, Verdi produced
operas in which dramatic structure and characterization are uniquely
entwined with vocal power. Many of his works are still part of the standard
operatic repertoire.
Autograph Letter Signed ("G. Verdi").
In Italian. One page, 6 x 3¾", Santa Agata, June 24, 1889. To
Commander Giuseppe De Amicis. Nicely framed and matted with a carte de
visite to an overall size of 15½ x 18". Accompanied by the hand
addressed transmittal envelope with seals on verso stamped with faint "GV"
seal. In fine condition, though not examined out of frame.
Verdi
purchased his secluded estate at Sant' Agata in 1851, in part to escape the
censorious eyes of the population of Busseto, where he and his lover
Peppina had been living. Through good times and bad (the bad times largely
involving his roving eye), Peppina and Verdi remained together until her
death in 1897. Our letter discusses the disposition of property in Siena
and various business affairs placed in the hands of one of Verdi's oldest
friends, the Commander Giuseppe de Amicis of Genoa.
Estimated Value
$2,250-2,750.
Lot 440
Weil, Kurt
(1900-1950). German born composer whose collaboration with Bertolt
Brecht resulted in a revolutionary type of opera, based on social satire.
Typed Letter Signed ("Kurt"). Two pages, quarto, Los
Angeles, n.d. (November or December 1943 by content). To theatrical
producer Cheryl Crawford. One hand correction on page two. There are two
minor flaws at top: a date erasure and a paper abrasion. Mailing folds are
very faint and overall condition is very good to fine.
This long,
chatty letter to the producer of Weil's new Broadway hit, Touch of
Venus, refers to singers, dancers, billing and publicity -- all the
things a big-time composer worries about. Weil mentions many of the big
names of 1943 Broadway, including Mary Martin, Sono Osato, Agnes de
Mille, Moss Hart, Mike Todd and Ira Gershwin. Weil writes: "I
cannot quite see how a baritone can do Rodney, but I would have to see him
before I can pass any judgment. Everybody out here was appalled that Paula
skipped the show the night of Moss' opening. It was a very selfish,
unfriendly gesture and a sign of a very bad trooper [sic]. If people
out here talked about it, I can imagine what a bad impression it must have
made in New York. Gadget (Elia Kazan) has been living with us for a
week...As you saw from our wire, we both were quite upset that 2 months
after the New York opening of a hit show no posters and Three-sheets were
out...I also thought it was a mistake not to give the music a special
billing because the score is one of the outstanding success factors of this
show,- and nothing whatsoever has been done to exploit this
success...'Speak low' [sic] is a big hit out here and is being
played all over town. Chappell's have started a big campaign...it should be
the most played song on the air after Dec. 4."
Closing his
letter with the opinion of many transplanted European composers, he adds:
"Not much to report from here. The weather is lovely and we swim every
day in the pool. But the place is still as dull as always," Weil
finishes "'Venus' will be a great piece of property for a long time and
will some day make a lot of money as a movie. That's how it looks from
here. Lenya sends her love. As ever, Kurt".
Estimated Value
$2,500-3,500.
Lot 441
A Symphony of Stars.
Twenty-seven pieces. Ideal for fans of the Big Band era, this extensive
grouping of musical ephemera includes signed items from the biggest melodic
masters of the 20s, 30s, and 40s. Lot includes: Signed Photos of Benny
Goodman, Cab Calloway, Kay Starr, Barbra
Streisand, and Lina Cavalieri; a program signed by Hazel
Scott; signed cards by Alan Jay Lerner, Liberace, Igor Stravinsky,
Gregor Piategorsky, Ella Fitzgerald, Harry James, Jan Peerce, W.C.
Handy (with accompanying FDC) and Sophie Tucker; Autograph Notes
Signed by Gregor Piategorsky and Sophie Tucker; an Autograph
Musical Quote by Meredith Willson; an Autograph Letter Signed by
Bing Crosby; FDC signed by Ira Gershwin, and Pablo
Casals; another FDC signed by nine music moguls; and Typed Letters
Signed by Yehudi Menuhin, Leopold Stokowski, and Bing Crosby.
Conditions range from fair to very good. Bidders are strongly encouraged to
view this lot.
Estimated Value $850-1,250.
Lot 442
Autograph Musical
Quotations Signed. A wonderful ensemble ranging from 1857 to 1988.
Composers include: Sigismund Thalberg, Charles Hallé, Mrs. H.H.A.
Beach, Paul Creston, Jean de Reszke, Elliot Carter, George Crumb
(includes signed 4 x 6" photo), Rafael Kubelik (includes inscribed 4
x 6" photo). In fine condition.
Estimated Value $400-600.
Lot 443
Modern Composers.
Eight Inscribed Photographs Signed. This unique collection features 8 x
10" black & white glossies of Eubie Blake, Sammy Cahn, Harry James, Guy
Lombardo, Arthur Balsam, a 4 x 6" of Rudolf Serkin, and vintage
photos of Ted Lewis and Ethel Leginska. A great lot for any
fan of classical and popular music. In fine condition.
Estimated Value
$400-600.
Lot 444
Vintage Autograph Book
of Actors and Composers. Here we offer an autograph collection filled
with two hundred and thirty-two signatures, autograph letters signed, and
autograph musical quotes signed by a range of actors from the stage and
screen, as well as notable composers and conductors. Featuring the
signatures of Richard Mansfield, Isabel Irving, William S. Gilbert, Otis
Skinner, Joe Jefferson, Robert Drouet, William Gilette, Dame Ellen Terry,
Helena Modjeske, Tomaso Salvini, Benoit Constant Coquelin, Chauncey Olcott,
Walter Damrosch, Lillian Nordica, Nellie Melba, Emma Calve, Marcella
Sembrick, John Philip Sousa, Booker T. Washington, and Elbert
Hubbard; autograph letters signed by Robert Taber, and Rosina
Vokes; autograph notes signed by Sarah Bernhardt and Edwin
Booth; and autograph musical quotes signed by Ferruccio Busoni
and Victor Herbert among others. Each piece has been tipped into a
bound autograph book, albeit sans cover. Conditions of individual pieces
range, with toning to a few pieces. Overall, in very good to fine
condition.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.