MUSICAL

[ 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.

[ Herman Finck, composer. ] Signed Autograph musical score of 'Duet | "Optimist & Pessimist" | Herman Finck', with two notes by the author in blue pencil.

Author: 
[Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer and conductor
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£90.00

[1] + 6pp., folio.Two bifoliums with printed staves, stitched together. A working score, worn and aged, and with the outer leaves detached from one another. Ink blot on front page which only bears the title 'Duet | "Optimist & Pessimist" | Herman Finck'. The score is six pages long, signed at the head by Finck. Neatly written out, with a couple of notes by Finck in blue pencil. On the first page: '"You is a Pessimist" | 3 verses', and on the last: 'Encore Sym & Chorus only'. A new edition of the piece, with words by Adrian Ross, was published in London by Cavendish Music Co.

[ Frederick Kill Harford, poet and hymnologist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Frederick K Harford') to the artist Eric Forbes-Robertson, regarding the 'Te Deum Committee'.

Author: 
Frederick K. Harford [ Frederick Kill Harford ] (1832-1906), cleric, poet and hymnologist [ Eric Forbes-Robertson (1865-1935), artist ]
Publication details: 
'On letterhead of Purcell House, Dean's Yard, Westminster. 28 August 1902.
£56.00

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. In envelope addressed by Forbes-Robertson at 79 Netherwood Road, Shepherd's Bush. He thanks him for letting him have his address, and requests a pass for his servant for the following evening's performance of the play 'Mice and Men'. He hopes the servant will return with 'the news I desire viz that you will consent to being pro tem - one of the Hon Secs of the Te Deum Committee.

[ W. S. Percy, Australian comedian and travel writer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('W. S. Percy'), a letter of condolence to the widow of Herman Finck..

Author: 
W. S. Percy [ William Stratford Percy ] (1872-1946), Australian stage comedian and travel writer [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 25 Cholmley Gardens, London. 21 April 1939.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. He expresses the 'deepest regret' at his 'dear friend's death [...] His passing will mean a great loss both to his friends & the world of music.' The word 'Answered' is written at the head. Percy made his in Australia in the productions of J. C. Williamson. He toured America before settling in England. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last pieces played by the orchestra on the Titanic.

[ Oscar Barrett, musical director. ] Autograph Letter Signed, a letter of condolence to the widow of composer Herman Finck

Author: 
Oscar Barrett (1846-1941), musical director of Augustus Harris, producer of pantomimes at the Crystal Palace and the Olympic Theatre, London [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939) ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 2 Coleherne Mansions, 226 Old Brompton Road, S.W.5. [ London ] 22 April 1939.
£45.00

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. He writes that 'The passing on of such a dear man as Herman leaves a blank in many many peoples lives & those who had the priviledge [sic] of his friendship can the better realise all you must be suffering at the present time.' He concludes by telling her that her 'grief is shared' by Finck's 'countless friends', and that she must have a 'sweet solace' in the memory of 'the many joyous times spent in his company'. The word 'Answered' is written at the head.

[ Violet Loraine, music hall artiste who duetted with George Robey on 'If I were the only Girl in the World'. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Violet Loraine Joicey'), a letter of condolence to the widow of composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
Violet Loraine [ Violet Loraine Joicey, born Violet Mary Tipton ] (1886-1956), English music hall artist [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Blenkinsopp Castle, Greenhead, Carlisle. 22 April [ 1939 ].
£35.00

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. She expresses 'heartfelt sympathy' at 'the loss of our darling old Herman. How we all loved him & what a dear & true friend he always was to me. I am terribly sorry at his going'. The word 'Answered' is written at the head. Violet Loraine's signature song was her duet with George Robey, 'If I were the only Girl in the World'. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last pieces played by the orchestra on the Titanic.

[ Francis Collinson, musicologist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Francis M. Collinson'), a letter of condolence to the widow of composer Herman Finck, conveying the 'tributes' to his memory made at a meeting of the Musical Conductors' Association.

Author: 
Francis M. Collinson [ Francis James Montgomery Collinson ] (1898-1984), musical director and musicologist [ Herman Finck [born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer and conductor]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of The Musical Conductors' Association [ London ]. 5 May 1939.
£90.00

2pp., 4to. In fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. Collinson is named as Honorary Secretary of the Association on the letterhead. He begins by explaining that he has waited until after the previous day's meeting of the Association to write to her, so that he can convey 'the tributes to your late husband's memory which I felt sure would be shown at this gathering of his friends and colleagues'. 'Mr Frederick Austin as chairman referred to the great loss which we all felt in the passing of Herman Finck, and spoke of his great qualities both as a friend and as a musician.

[ George Graves, comic actor. ] Autograph Letter Signed, a warm letter of condolence to the widow of the composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
George Graves [ George Windsor Graves ] (1876-1949), English comic actor [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 96 New Cavendish Street, W.1. [ London ]. 22 [ April 1939 ].
£50.00

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. The letter is addressed to 'My poor dear', and he writes 'with deepest sympathy' with 'your terrible loss of dear Herman. I little thought that my last visit would be the last.' It is 'perhaps poor consolation' to her, but Finck's passing 'hits all his pals very hard indeed. For he was dearly loved by everybody.' He urges her to 'Be brave, my dear, & be sure we are all thinking of you in this awful time.' 'Ans:' (i.e. 'Answered') is written at the head. See Graves's entry in the Oxford DNB.

[ Alfred Wareing, repertory theatre pioneer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Alfred Wareing'), a letter of condolence to the widow of conductor Herman Finck.

Author: 
Alfred Wareing [ Alfred John Wareing ] (1876-1942), founder of the League of Audiences and repertory theatre pioneer
Publication details: 
On letterhead of The League of Audiences, London. 27 April 1939.
£65.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. 'Your dear husband was one of my oldest and most valued friends in my Savage Club circle; his place can never be filled as you, more than any of us, know and with deep sorrow.' Wareing joined Sir Frank Benson's company in 1900. In 1909 he founded the first Citizens' Theatre in an English-speaking country. On his death The Times (13 April 1942) referred to him as 'a repertory theatre pioneer'. The word 'Answered' is written at the head. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last pieces played by the orchestra on the Titanic.

[ Ben Davies, Welsh tenor. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Ben Davies.'), expressing condolences to the widow of the composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
Ben Davies (1858-1943), Welsh tenor with the Carl Rosa Opera Company [ Herman Finck [ Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 33 Compayne Gardens, West Hampstead, NW [ London ]. 23 April 1939.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Docketed at head 'Answered'. Reads: 'Dear Mrs Finck - | We were very grieved to hear of the passing of your dear husband & our old friend - will you please accept our deepest sympathy in your great sorrow - & our prayers that you & your daughters may be greatly comforted - | Very sincerely Yrs. | Ben Davies'. From the Finck papers.

[ Frank Eyton, lyricist. ] Autograph Note Signed ('Frank Eyton') accompanying his typed original humorous poem about road works 'A Finchley Road Cameo'; together with a Typed Letter Signed ('Frank') of reminiscences and family news.

Author: 
Frank Eyton (1894-1962), English popular music lyricist [ Herman Finck [ Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer ]
Publication details: 
Typed Letter Signed on letterhead of The Montecito, Hollywood, California, 20 September 1937. Autograph Note with Typed Poem on his letterhead, 12 Lowther Mansions, Barnes, S.W.13 [ London ]. 24 December 1937.
£120.00

Both items in fair condition, lightly aged and worn. ONE: Typed Poem followed by Autograph Note Signed. 24 December 1937. 2pp., 8vo. The poem consists of eleven four-line stanzas, with the title typed in red. An apparently unpublished humorous poem, quite charming and well worthy of publication. Begins: 'For months we've had electric road-drills | Right outside our door, | And two gentlemen who play them | Called in yesterday at four.

[ Printed item. ] Catalogo delle Opere di Musica o ad essa relative che nel Decennio sono state depositate nell'Archivio della Congregazione ed Accademia di Santa Cecilia di Roma.

Author: 
'L. ROSSI Segret. ed Archivista della C. ed A.' [ L'Archivio della Congregazione ed Accademia di Santa Cecilia di Roma, Italia ] [ Italy ]
Publication details: 
[ L'Archivio della Congregazione ed Accademia di Santa Cecilia di Roma, Italia [ Italy ] ] 'Roma li 22. Novembre 1846.'
£120.00

[2] + 28 + [2]pp., 12mo. Unbound sewn pamphlet. In good condition, lightly aged. A crisply and attractively printed item, with a businesslike listing of mostly recent compositions, in four categories: 'Offerte' (from 'DI CASTELBARCO Conte Cesare' to 'SCHMID Antonio'), 'Doni', 'In Adempimento delle Prescrizioni Statutarie' (from 'BARATTINI Luigi' to 'RIVALTA Giuseppe') and 'Acquisti'. The only copy on OCLC WorldCat at the Bibliothèque nationale de France.

[ Dame Eva Turner, English soprano. ] Photographic portrait on postcard, inscribed in autograph 'Eva Turner'.

Author: 
Dame Eva Turner (1892-1990), English soprano opera singer, born in Oldham, Lancashire
Publication details: 
Without date and place.
£35.00

14 x 9 cm black and white postcard. In good condition, lightly aged.. A head and shoulders image, with Turner's face looking to the left, looking downwards, hands clasped under her chin. Inscribed at foot: 'To Mr A Watt | Best Wishes | Eva Turner'.

[ William Pole, engineer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Wm. Pole') to the editor of 'Men & Women of the Time' [ Victor Gustave Plarr ] regarding his entry, with a supplementary Autograph Note Signed on the layout of the work.

Author: 
William Pole (1814-1900), engineer, musician, and authority on whist [ Victor Gustave Plarr (1863-1929), poet and editor of 'Men and Women of the Time' ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 9 Stanhope Place, Hyde Park, W. [ London ] 11 May 1898.
£56.00

ONE: Letter. 1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with pin holes at top inner corner, and slight damp staining along one edge, affecting a few words of text. Addressed to 'The Editor of "Men & Women of the Time" | Broadway House | Ludgate Hill. E.C.' Reads: 'In compliance with your invitation I send you a few emendations for the Notice of me in "Men & Women of the Time" - and shall be glad to correct the proof when set up in type.' For more information on Pole and Plarr, see their entries in the Oxford DNB. TWO: Supplementary autograph notes. 1p., 4to. Signed 'W.

[ John Pyke Hullah, English composer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('John Hullah') to unnamed recipient, regarding the preparations for a lecture he is to give in St Andrew's Hall [ Glasgow ].

Author: 
John Hullah [ John Pyke Hullah ] (1812-1884), English composer and teacher of music [ St Andrew's Hall, Glasgow, Scotland ]
Publication details: 
Stanford [ Lincolnshire ]. 18 August 1865.
£50.00

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium on grey paper. In good condition, with traces of mount along one edge of verso of last leaf. Being away from home and his papers, he cannot answer all the recipient's questions, but 'it will be enough if I say that I shall not require an Organ, & that the Illustrations to my lecture would (or might be made to) consist exclusively of unaccompanied vocal music, mostly English. The effect of some pieces might be increased by being performed chorally - say with three or four good voices to a part, but they will all admit of performance by one voice to a part'.

[ Martin Fischer, German classical musician. ] Duplicated copies of autobiography 'Martin Fischer erzählt aus seinem Leben' and book of poems '"Oden", Briefe lyrischen Charakters aus dem Blickfeld eines Musikers', both inscribed to Richard Hutchins.

Author: 
Martin Fischer (b. c. 1931), viola player with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, husband of soprano Helga Fischer [ Richard Hutchins of Waynflete ]
Publication details: 
The autobiography dated from 'Berlin, im Oktober 2008', with inscription dated November 2008. The poems without place or date, but with inscription dated from London, 27 May 1981.
£320.00

Both items in good condition, lightly aged, and both in yellow wraps, with plastic clamp at spine holding the loose leaves together. ONE: Autobiography. [3] + 46pp., 8vo. Illustrated with two full-page photographs of Fischer, one showing him as a ten-year-old boy, with autograph caption. The item is signed at the end 'Martin', and has the following inscription on a leaf of green paper at the front: 'Dear Richard, | Times went by, I promised to send you these pages because always the memories of our friendship and your Kindness are a big joy for us.

[ Frank E. Tours, Hollywood composer and musical director. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Frank Tours') to the theatre historian W. J. Macqueen-Pope, containing reminiscences of his London theatre days (George Dance, Marie Lloyd, Stanley Logan).

Author: 
Frank E. Tours [ Frank Tours; Frank Edward Tours ] (1877-1963), English-born Hollywood composer and musical director (Marx Brothers; Citizen Kane; The Emperor Jones) [ W. J. Macqueen-Pope (1888-1960)]
Publication details: 
South Laguna. 20 January 1951.
£200.00

3pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with slight staining to one corner from paper clip. A good letter, filled with detail. Apart from brief opening and closing paragraphs the whole of the letter is devoted to reminiscences of his life before leaving England for America. At one point he comments: 'it is only when one is thinking back, as I am now, that one realizes the speed with which time fugits; it is now 21 years since I have been home, and 30 years since Bob and I were in "Irene" at the Empire.' The reminiscences begin: 'Barring a trip to U. S. and Australia with G. P.

[ Jakob Salomon Bartholdy, Prussian diplomat. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('J S Bartholdy') to the French composer and singer Sophie Gail

Author: 
Jakob Salomon Bartholdy [ Jakob Ludwig Salomon Bartholdy ] (1779-1825), Prussian diplomat, Consul-General in Rome, uncle of Felix Mendelssohn [ Sophie Gail [ née Edmée Sophie Garre ] (1775-1819) ]
Publication details: 
2 January 1819.
£950.00

1p., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed on second leaf, with broken seal in red wax, 'A Madame | Madame Sophie de Gail | &c &c &c | Paris'. Nine lines of neatly and elegantly written text. A somewhat flirtatious acceptance of an invitation, with Bartholdy noting 'les belles choses que vous daignez me dire [...] Votre maniere est trop sedisante pour ne pas faire de l'impression'. It was at Bartholdy's suggestion that his sister Lea, the mother of the composer Felix Mendelssohn, joined him in adopting the surname Bartholdy.

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