HERMAN

[G. R. Sims, journalist and bon vivant.] Autograph Note Signed to 'Miss Thompson', regarding 'the acting rights, if any'.

Author: 
G. R. Sims [George Robert Sims] (1847-1922), journalist, author and bon vivant
Publication details: 
20 May 1902. On letterhead of 12 Clarence Terrace, Regent's Park, N.W. [London] ('Registered Telegraphic Address, Hybiscus, London ')
£45.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. 1p, landscape 8vo. In good condition, lightly aged, with four small gummed squared as mounts adhering to the four corners. Folded for postage. Large firm signature and handwriting. Reads: 'Dear Miss Thompson / The piece is not mine and I am sorry I cannot inform you to whom the acting rights, if any, belong. / Your sincerely / Geo R Sims'.

[John Herman Merivale, poet and friend of Lord Byron.] Signature for autograph hunter: ‘John Herman Merivale’.

Author: 
John Herman Merivale (1779-1844), poet, lawyer, author and literary scholar, friend of Lord Byron
Publication details: 
Without date or place.
£30.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB. On 16 x 10 cm rectangle cut from leaf of an autograph album. In good condition, on wove paper, lightly aged and creased. Nothing on the leaf apart from the signature ‘John Herman Merivale’, with the helpful addition ‘(Dead)’ in a near-contemporary hand beside it.

[Herman Merivale, historian and civil servant, to his brother Charles Merivale.] Long Autograph Letter Signed ('H Merivale'), discussing his activities and writing, and ending with a shrewd assessment of Edward Bulwer-Lytton.

Author: 
Herman Merivale (1806-1874), historian and civil servant, Professor of Political Economy at Oxford, brother of Charles Merivale (1808-1893), Dean of Ely, historian [Edward Bulwer-Lytton [Lord Lytton]]
Publication details: 
'7 Carey Street. [Lincoln's Inn, London] Tuesday.' With postmark 3 December 1833.
£120.00

4pp, 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. Addressed on reverse of second leaf, with small seal in red wax and postmark, to 'Revd. Charles Merivale | St John's College | Cambridge'. A long letter, with the four pages of text followed by a long postscript at the head of the first page, continuing to the last.

[ Herman Finck, composer and musical director of the Palace Theatre. ] Autograph Letter Signed to 'J. McG.', regarding the Folies Bergère in Paris, music by Delormel, Desormes and Gannes, and a humorous remark by Cuvier.

Author: 
Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer and conductor [ RMS Titanic ]
Publication details: 
8 Haycroft Road, Brixton Hill [ London ]. 30 April 1899.
£45.00

3pp., 12mo. In poor condition, aged and worn, with the two leaves of the bifolium separated. The letter begins: 'My dear J. McG. | Pardon me, but M. Delormel did not write “The Boulanger” March (“En Revenat de la revue”) nor did he write “Père la Victoire” but I dont say he didn't publish them.' Finck attributes the first to 'M.

[ Arthur Herman Gilkes, Master of Dulwich College. ] Autograph Note Signed ('A. H. Gilkes'), regarding his entry in a biographical dictionary.

Author: 
A. H. Gilkes [ Arthur Herman Gilkes ] (1849-1922), Master of Dulwich College, educationalist and author
Publication details: 
Dulwich College. 20 April [ no year, but after 1897 ].
£45.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Evidently written to the editor of a biographical dictionary. Reads: 'Dear Sir | I enclose the notice, with the names of the two book, [sic] | 'The thing that hath been” & “Kallistratus”, | that I have written since the first issue. | I am yours very truly | A. H. Gilkes'. The dates of the two books are 1894 and 1897.

[ Sir Alexander Campbell Mackenzie, Scottish composer, and John Mackenzie Rogan, Director of Music, Coldstream Guards. ] Their signatures, each with an autograph bar of music, for composer Herman Finck, on a menu from Pagani's Restaurant, London.

Author: 
Sir Alexander Campbell Mackenzie (1847-1935), composer and conductor; John Mackenzie Rogan (1855-1932), Director of Music, Coldstream Guards [ Herman Finck (1872-1939); Pagani's Restaurant, London ]
Publication details: 
Menu from Pagani's Restaurant, London. Dated by Mackenzie 4 November 1909.
£120.00

Attractive menu, printed in black and gold, on card bifolium, folding into two 8 x 17 cm. panels, partly detached. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Calligraphic design, with 'Pagani's' printed in gilt on the cover, and the menu itself on the recto of the second leaf, facing some calligraphic flourishes on the verso of the first leaf. The two inscriptions are both in pencil, mainly on the recto of the second leaf but with the second extending somewhat onto the facing page. The upper of the two, signed by 'A. C.

[ Edward Bennett Marks, New Yorks music publisher. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Edward B Marks'), a letter of condolence to the widow of the English composer Herman Finck

Author: 
Edward B. Marks Music Corporation, New York City [ Edward Bennett Marks (1865-1945) ] [ Herman Finck [born Hermann Van Der Vinck] (1872-1939), composer, conductor, musical director of Palace Theatre ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead fo the Edward B. Marks Music Corporation, Publishers and Importers of Music, RCA Building, Radio City, New York. 11 May 1939.
£45.00

1p., 4to. On aged and worn paper, with chipping along one edge. He begins: 'Word of the loss of your dear husband reached us some time ago, but I was not able to write you until just now when I received your address from Ralph Hawkes.' He offers his condolences 'on behalf of our whole organisation'. According to Hawkes 'the funeral service was a most impressive one' and 'Mr. Finck was a great figure in the musical world and that he shall be missed a great deal.

[ Albert Cazabon, violinist, composer and head of the Albert Cazabon Orchestra. ] Long letter of condolence to the widow of the conductor Herman Finck, containing personal reminiscences.

Author: 
Albert Cazabon (1883-1970), violinist, composer and head of the Albert Cazabon Orchestra [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
32 Aberdeen Place, N.W.8. [ London ] 24 April 1939.
£90.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, aged and worn. He informs her that Finck was 'a very old friend of mine & my father's. I knew Herman when I was a boy, & had always held his loyal friendship as something to be treasured as a great privilege. When I left for Australia in 1927 a radiogram of good wishes from him came to me at sea, & when I returned two years ago he received me in the same old warm-hearted way, & was the first friend to try to help to get me re-established in London.' He continues in the same vein, describing Finck as 'a great & well-beloved man'.

[ The Savage Club, London. ] 53 signatures of members, including those of James Agate, C. R. W. Nevinson, Aubrey Hammond, Reginald Arkell and John Ansell, sent to the composer Herman Finck in his final illness. ]

Author: 
[ The Savage Club, London; James Agate; C. R. W. Nevinson; Aubrey Hammond, John Ansell; Reginald Arkell; Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of The Savage Club, 1 Carlton House Terrace, London, S.W.1. April 1939.
£250.00

4pp., 12mo. On bifolium of grey paper. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. 53 signatures over four pages, written after the following: 'April 1939 | Dear Herman: Keep up your Heart & Get well soon. We need your kingly, cheery presence'. One signatory has written a bar of music, another has drawn a face, another has written after his name 'now then – up beat!' The first signature is that of the Punch cartoonist Bert Thomas (1883-1966), after which he has written '(BLIMEY)'. Among the other signatories are the theatre critic James Agate (1877-1947), the artists C. R. W.

[ Herman Finck, composer and conductor, musical director of the Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue. ] Nine items from his personal papers, including an ACS from him to his wife, book contract, autograph notes for a memoir.

Author: 
Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor, musical director of the Palace Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London
Publication details: 
London and Eastbourne: between 1918 and 1937.
£220.00

Finck was a well-respected and much-loved figure on the London musical and theatrical scene. His 'In the Shadows' was among the last tunes played as RMS Titanic went down. This miscellaneous collection of nine items in fair overall condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. ONE: Autograph Manuscript by Finck, contained names and outlines of anecdotes for inclusion in his memoirs. 2pp., 12mo. On letterhead of 212 Finchley Road, London. As an example, here is the text at the foot of one page: 'Include A. C. M. Club in Club stories. | R. A. Roberts – Colisseum | “By God!

[ Herman Finck, composer and conductor. ] Autograph Letter Signed, as musical director of the Palace Theatre, 'To The Gentlemen of the Orchestra', informing them of the abolitiion of 'the system of sending deputies'.

Author: 
Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor [ The Palace Theatre, London ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of The Palace Theatre Limited, Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 15 January 1912.
£56.00

1p., 4to. On aged and worn paper. Reads:'To The Gentlemen of the Orchestra | Commencing with February 17 '12 the system of sending deputies will be entirely abolished in this orchestra. To those members who are not desirous of continuing their engagement under this new rule, I would ask that they gave their names to Mr Honrig before friday evening next, in order that they may receive notice of the termination of their engagement four weeks from that date - 19th inst: | Herman Finck | Musical director'. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last tunes played as the Titanic went down.

[ Sydney Ffoulkes, composer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Sydney ffoulkes'), a letter of condolence to the widow of fellow-composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
Sydney Ffoulkes, composer associated with the actor Sir Henry Irving and the BBC [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
4 Seaford Mansions, Jevington Gardens, Eastbourne. 21 April 1939.
£40.00

2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. He has learnt with 'the deepest regret' of his 'old friend's passing'., and sends his condolences. He will be unable to attend the funeral service, as he had 'a bad fall & fractured two ribs'. He concludes: 'Herman was a great fellow, & nobody will ever replace him -'. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last songs played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Joseph Lewis, senior conductor of the BBC. ] Autograph Letter Signed, a warm letter of condolence to the widow of composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
Joseph Lewis (1878-1954), senior conductor of the BBC and composer [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer ]
Publication details: 
On his letterhead ('Conductor. | Adjudicator.'), 1 Central Parade, Horley, Surrey. 22 April 1939.
£35.00

1p., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. Although '[w]ords at these times seem rather empty things', he feels he must write to express his sympathy on her loss: 'To know dear Herman as I knew him, was to love him - & I am ,mindful of many happy times we had together & many kindnesses he has shown me'. He asks her to be consoled by the fact that Finck 'leaves behind him a fine reputation & a grand record of service'. According to a contemporary account: 'Joseph Lewis, senior conductor of the BBC, was born in Brierly Hill Staffs, in 1878.

[ 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.

Author: 
Patrick Barrow, composer and conductor [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
24 Tangier Road, Richmond, Surrey. 22 April 1939.
£40.00

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.

[ Herman Finck, composer and conductor. ] Material from his widow's papers relating to his death, including 73 signatures of individuals at his funeral service, including Tommy Handley and William Luff; obituaries; fumeral cards, order of service.

Author: 
Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor [ Tommy Handley; Bert Thomas; Charles Prentice; Rex Palmer; Percy Greenbank; William Luff ]
Publication details: 
London. 1939.
£320.00

On his death Finck was described by the Daily Mirror as 'one of the world's greatest writers of light music'. His 'In the Shadows' was one of the last songs played on RMS Titanic before it went down. The collection is in good condition, lightly aged and worn. Items One and Two are in an envelope addressed to Mrs Finck at 122 Finchley Road, with note by her: 'Funeral Cards & names of people at Service'. ONE: Collection of 73 signatures of people attending Finck's funeral service. 5pp., folio. Mostly in pencil. With calling card of 'Mr. Stanley F. Galpin'.

[ Sir Johm Alexander. Hammerton, editor of reference works. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. A. Hammerton'), an effusive letter of condolence to the widow of composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
J. A. Hammerton [ Sir John Alexander Hammerton ] (1871-1949), Scottish author and editor of works of reference [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of De Walden Lodge, Eastbourne, Sussex. 24 April 1939.
£40.00

2pp., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. He knew that Finck was ill, but 'the news of his death broadcast on Friday night came as a shock to me. | He & I had known each other for many years, & specially during the last five or six years we had much to say to each other at the Savage, my admiration for him deepening the more I knew him.' Another member of the Savage Club, Philip Page, referred to Finck as 'the most genial man he ever knew', and this was 'endorsed by all his fellow Savages'.

[ John Henry Roberts, stage and screen actor. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. H. Roberts'), a letter of condolence to the widow of the composer Herman Finck, containing a personal anecdote.

Author: 
J. H. Roberts [ John Henry Roberts ] (1884-1961), stage and screen actor [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 66 The Ridgeway, N.W.11. 23 April 1939.
£30.00

2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, aged and worn, with a short closed tear along a fold line and small rust stain. He begins in conventional fashion, with a reference to 'Herman's countless friends', before continuing: 'As I write this there is in front of me part of a small collection of books I have each containing some personal inscription from its famous author. Among them is one from Herman. He had thought of me one evening, &, with his usual kindliness, he took a book from his collection, wrote in it, & brought it to me there & then. He spent most of that evening in my dressing room.

[ G. R. Sims, journalist and bon vivant. ] Autograph Card Signed ('GRS') to 'The Mac Finck', i.e. the composer Herman Finck, on the back of a postcard with an image of Sims himself.

Author: 
G. R. Sims [ George Robert Sims ] (1847-1922), journalist, author and bon vivant [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
Postmark of 'LONDON N.W.' No date.
£35.00

Aged and worn postcard. Written in pencil, and addressed to 'The Mac Finck | 21 Heatherfield Pk | Willesden Green | NW'. Reads 'All right Sunny | See you soon. So busy. No time to Finck of ennyfinck for a week | Yours | GRS'. The image of 'MR. GEORGE ROBERT SIMS' on the front of the card shows a seated Sims pondering what to write with pen in hand and finger on cheek, seated surrounded by curios in what is probably his study. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last songs played while RMS TItanic went down.

[ George Denholm Armour, English artist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('G Denholm Armour'), a letter of condolemce to the widow of composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
George Denholm Armour (1864-1949), English artist associated with Phil May and Joseph Crawhall, and horse breeder [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of The Old Court House, Tetminster, Dorset. 22 April 1939.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition. He is writing 'as an old brother savage' (i.e. a member like Finck of the Savage Club), and asks her to accept his 'most sincere sympathy in the loss' of her husband, and his regret that he cannot be present at his funeral. Headed by Mrs Finck 'Answered'. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last songs played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Sir Ronald Russell, Principal of the Guildhall School of Music. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Ronald Russell') to composer Herman Finck, offering him an honorary 'Diploma of Fellowship'.

Author: 
Sir Landon Ronald [ born Landon Ronald Russell ] (1873-1938), composer, Principal of Guildhall School of Music [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Guildhall School of Music, London. 16 May 1924.
£56.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. Offering him, following the unanimous decision of a committee meeting and on his recommendation, an honorary 'Diploma of Fellowship [...] limited to 100 members, of past-students and Professors'. Finck's song 'In the Shadows' was one of the last to be played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Sir Gerald du Maurier, actor-manage. ] Typed Letter Signed to composer Herman Finck, regarding his 'very delightful well-favoured' daughter.

Author: 
Sir Gerald du Maurier [ Sir Gerald Hubert Edward Busson du Maurier ] English actor-manager [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Wyndham's Theatre, London. 5 September 1921.
£40.00

1p., 8vo. On aged and worn paper. Reads: 'One of the extraordinary things in this world is heredity. I occasionally met on the golf links at Thurlestone, a very delightful well-favoured young lady, of whom I saw too little. She told me she was your daughter. Is it possible? and such charming manners too. Well! its a wonderful world.' Finck's song 'In the Shadows' was one of the last to be played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Herman Finck, composer. ] Nine black and white photographs of Herman Finck, from his papers, ranging from a carte-de-visite of him as a child in Amsterdam (by Hisgen Brothers), to images of him in theatrical settings (one by Langfier Ltd).

Author: 
Herman Finck [ Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch conductor [ Hisgen Brothers, Amsterdam photographers; Langfier Ltd, London photographers ]
Publication details: 
[ Amsterdam (Hisgen Brothers, 128 P. C. Hoofstraat) and London (Langfier Ltd; Central News; Weekly Illustrated) and Nottingham (Nottingham Journal). ] From circa 1878 to the 1930s.
£220.00

Although Finck was an extremely popular and well-connected figure in British musical and theatre circles, the National Portrait Gallery holds no image of him. The nine black and white photographs range in size from 18.5 x 24.5 cm down to the carte-de-visite, which is 10.5 x 6.5 cm. The collection is in fair overall condition, with some creasing and wear, and the corner of the largest photograph repaired on the reverse with archival tape.

[ Hilda Anthony [ Hilda Antonietti ], English stage and screen actress. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Hilda'), a letter of condolence to 'Mabel', the widow of the composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
Hilda Anthony [ Hilda Antonietti ] (1886-1962), English actress, heroine of bushranger play 'Stingaree' by E. W. Hornung [ Herman Finck [ Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch conductor ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 5 Rosemont Mansions, Lithos Road, N.W.3. [ London ] 22 April 1939.
£35.00

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Reads 'Dear Mabel. | I cant tell you how deeply I sympathize with you in your great loss - words are so inadequate. Herman was a grand friend, & I shall always remember his many kindnesses, & the fun we all used to have together. I know you will miss him dreadfully, & so will all his many friends. | All my love & sympathy to you & Marjorie.' Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last songs played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Arthur Wood, composer of 'The Archers' theme. ] Autograph Note Signed, sending condolences to the widow of composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
Arthur Wood (1875-1953), English composer best-known for 'Barwick Green', the theme to the BBC radio series 'The Archers' [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer ]
Publication details: 
On his letterhead, 20 Arlington Gardens, Chiswick, London. 22 April 1939.
£90.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, on aged and lightly-creased paper. Reads: 'Dear Mrs. Finck, | Mrs. Wood and I deeply regret to hear of the Passing of Herman. | Please accept our deepest Sympathy.' The word 'Ans'[wered]' is written at the head. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last tunes played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Audrey Lucas, author and Evelyn Waugh's mistress. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Audrey Lucas') to the widow of Herman Finck

Author: 
Audrey Lucas [ Audrey Scott; Audrey Clarke-Smith ] (1898-1975), author, daughter of E. V. Lucas and mistress of Evelyn Waugh [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 34 Pembroke Square, W.8. [ London ] 24 April [1939].
£90.00

Anthony Powell describes Audrey Lucas in his journals as 'Evelyn Waugh's on and off mistress for some years'. 2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, aged and lightly creased, with pinholes to one corner. One catches a hint of the clipped and brittle tones of the age: 'I have been away in the country and ignoring newspapers as a rest. It was only today that I heard of Herman's death. So, will you forgive me for not having written before to say how very much I grieve for you. I am so terribly sorry.

[ Austin Melford, actor, screenwriter and film director. ] Autograph Letter Signed, a letter of condolence to the widow of composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
Austin Melford [ born Alfred Austyn Melford Smith ] (1884-1971), British actor, screenwriter and film director [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer ]
Publication details: 
On his letterhead, 3 The Close, St John's Wood, N.W.8. [ London ]. 24 April 1939.
£35.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, on aged and lightly-creased paper. He and his wife send their 'sincerest sympathy' on her 'irreparable loss': 'Herman will be missed sadly by his many, many friends and his passing will leave a void which can never be filled.' The word 'Ans:' is written at the head. Finck's song 'In the Shadows' was one of the last to be played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Charles Hayden Coffin, actor and singer. ] Autgograph Letter Signed ('C. Hayden Coffin') to composer Herman Finck, regarding a forthcoming dinner.

Author: 
Charles Hayden Coffin (1862-1935), English actor and singer, associated with actor, George Edwardes.
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Savage Club, Adelphi, W.C.2. [ London ] 20 November [ no year ].
£35.00

2pp., 16mo. In fair condition, lightly-aged. Headed 'Re. Dec 2': 'I have put my name down & hope nothing prevents my being present - tho' a "young" Savage I trust that you can fix me near you & Sir Edward - | Do what you can - what an evening it will be!!' Finck's song 'In the Shadows' was one of the last to be played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Alfred Turner, Manager of the Saville Theatre. ] Autograph Letter Signed, a letter of condolence to the widow of the composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
Alfred Turner [ 'Tubby' ] (d.1941), manager of actor Cyril Maude and General Manager of Saville Theatre, London [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer ]
Publication details: 
On his letterhead as General Manager of the Saville Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 21 April 1939.
£40.00

1p., 8vo. In good condition, lightly aged. John Bennion Booth discusses Turner in his 'Old Pink 'un Days' (1925). 'My Wife and I want to express to you and your daughters our great and very real sympathy in your great loss. I sincerely mourn with you for I have lost a very old friend of many years.' He hopes that 'Time, the great healer' will help her in her sorrow. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last songs played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Arthur Davenport, librettist. ] Typed Letter Signed to composer Herman Finck regarding his appeal to the Musicias' Benevolent Fund, his career, and two books sent to E. V. Lucas of Methuen & Co.

Author: 
Arthur Davenport, librettist with H. G. Pellissier (1874-1913) and Charles Wibrow, playwright on BBC 'Children's Hour' [ Herman Finck [ Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer; E. V. Lucas ]
Publication details: 
11 Primrose Hill Road, N.W.3. [ London ] 9 April 1931.
£65.00

1p., 4to. On aged and worn paper. Thirty-eight lines of text. Written with the forced Wodehousian bonhommie of a desperate man. He has had an operation at a nursing home, so the beginning of the letter needs to be taken metaphorically: 'My dear Finck, | This is a nice kettle of Fish and no mistake! | Came out of jail day before yesterday, but only on ticket-of-leave. Strict police supervision for two years - finger-prints - strawberry-marks - nothing kept secret! | However, they say they can make a job of it and my tail, such as it is, remains vertical.

[ 'In the Shadows', one of the last songs played on the Titanic. ] Three printed scores of music by Herman Finck, from his papers and with autograph emendations by him: 'Two Little Dances', 'Dance'. and a proof of 'In the Shadows'.

Author: 
[ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer and conductor ] [ RMS Titanic ]
Publication details: 
All three items by Hawkes & Son, London. 'In the Shadows', 'Copyright, 1910, in U.S.A.'; 'Dance', 'Copyright, MDCCCCX, in U.S.A.'; 'Two Little Dances', 'Copyright 1914 in U.S.A.'
£280.00

Constant Lambert referred to 'In the Shadows' as 'that rightly renowned piece'.For the playing of the song as the Titanic sank, see Ian Whitcomb, 'The Titanic Songbook' (2011) and Steve Turner, 'The Band Played On' (2011). The three items of sheet music are from Finck's papers, and their condition bears testimony to their having been working copies. ONE: 'In the Shadows'. 8pp., 12mo. In poor condition, with outer leaves detached from one another. At head of first page: 'In the Shadows. | Dance. | Piano-Conductor. HERMAN FINCK.' Rest of page blank. Two sections deleted in blue pencil.

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