642. Percy Grainger.
Well-regarded Australian-born pianist, conductor, and composer (1882–1961) best known for his folk settings and colorful experimental works. Vintage matte-finish 7.5 x 9.5 photo, signed and inscribed in fountain pen “Cordial greetings to J. Willis Sayre, from Percy Grainger, June 1938.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.… (MB $200)
645. Jan Kubelik. Vintage matte-finish 4 x 5.5 photo, affixed to its original 6 x 9 mount, signed in fountain pen on the mount, “Jan Kubelik, 19. IV. 1906.” In fine condition, with some soiling to the borders and light pencil signature under the end of Kubelik’s (perhaps from the photographer). RRAuction COA.…(MB $200)
643. Jascha Heifetz. TLS,
one page, 7 x 10, personal letterhead, August 12, 1963. Letter addressed to “Whom It May Concern.” In full: “Evelyn Hellem was my personal secretary for approximately five years. She was very capable and dependable and her work was most satisfactory and much appreciated. Miss Hellem left for personal reasons and of her own accord.” Uniform toning from previous display, a bit heavier at edges, and mounting remnants to reverse of corners, otherwise fine condition. Hellem abruptly retired after being involved in an auto accident which resulted in someone’s death, when leaving Heifitz’s home one day. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.…(MB $150)
644. Maryla Jonas. Polish pianist (1911-1959) whose career was put on hold when Germany invaded Poland in 1939. After refusing an offer to move to Berlin, she was arrested by the Gestapo until an officer who had heard her perform managed to secure her release. She escaped to Brazil under false papers, and resumed her pianistic career at Carnegie Hall in 1946. Vintage glossy 10 x 8 photo, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint “To J. Willis Sayre with my best wishes, Maryla Jonas, 1948.” In very good condition, with some rippling and crazing to the emulsion and a spot on the right side, scattered light marks and creasing, some irregular adhesion to inscription and signature, light soiling in the lower border, and scattered spotting. RRAuction COA.…(MB $100)
646. Wanda Landowska.
French harpsichordist (1879– 1959) whose performances, teaching, recordings, and writings played a large role in reviving the popularity of the harpsichord in the early 20th century. ALS in French, one page, 3.5 x 5.25, February 25, 1921. Short untranslated letter on the correspondence side of a photo postcard bearing an image of Landowska playing her piano for Leo Tolstoy. A uniform shade of toning, a couple pencil notations to bottom, and a light crease to right edge, otherwise fine condition. RRAuction COA.…(MB $150)
647. Pietro Mascagni. Italian
composer (1863–1945) whose 1890 masterpiece ‘Cavalleria rusticana’ takes a place among the most beloved staples of the operatic repertoire. Vintage mattefinish 3.25 x 5.5 photo of Mascagni seated at a piano, signed in fountain pen, “P. Mascagni.” Photo is affixed to a 5 x 7 board. Moderate silvering to darker areas of image and background, otherwise fine condition. RRAuction COA.…(MB $150)
Classic Music
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