[ Patrick Barrow, composer and conductor. ] Autograph Letter Signed, a letter of condolence to the widow of fellow-composer Herman Finck, praising Finck as a man and a musician.

1p., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. He only met Finck on a few occasions, but offers his condolences 'as a Composer of Light Music, and as a former Director of Music at a West End Theatre (Daly's)'. In his view, Finck 'surely had no superior in the art of giving pleasure to others, not only by his personality, but also by his pen. | His clear musical conception and brillikant orchestration provide a refreshing example, which lesser men find most difficult to live up to.' He concludes: 'We are all the poorer for his passing from a field of endeavour which he did so much to enrich.' As one authority points out, Barrow was more successful as conductor – notably of Vivian Ellis’ Mr. Cinders in 1929 – rather than as composer. His Nicolette (1925, 12 performances, Duke of York Theatre), with a Ruritanian style setting, and Cupid and the Cutlets (1929, one provincial performance) were unsuccessful. He wrote the song "Make it Snappy", for a revival of Sidney Jones’ San Tay in 1931 and a number of light orchestral miniatures: The Dragon-Flies Wedding, Little Suite and Loxwood Suite. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last songs played as RMS Titanic went down.