Description:

Prokofiev Sergei 1891 - 1953 Sergei Prokofieff TLS, "you will make your readers believe a new Puccini is born"

Wonderful musical content letter signed by Prokofieff in English.

Typed Letter Signed in English, 1 page 4to, 5 rue Valentine Hauy, Paris, July 16, 1932, to Watson Lyle, thanking him for the benevolence expressed in his article in the Bookman regretting that its content was not more serious, correcting two errors in the article, including Prokofieff's view of music and emotion, and sending two new sonatinas since he cannot yet spare the score of his new piano concerto. Prokofieff writes:

"I expected your article to be the first serious study of my music after all the nonsense written up to now in England about it; but I see that you had to limit yourself to a kind of drawing-room chat...do not say that I studied under

Glazounoff, for he was director but did not teach, while I have been at the Conservatoire. And what is far more important I did not tell you 'Music without emotion? but it is not possible'. ... you will make your readers beleave [sic] that a new Puccini is born. Please us my photograph for the next article and do not worry to send it back. "

He adds that he still needs the score of his piano concerto [No. 5 in G minor] but "Instead ... I send you two new sonatinas [op.54] which were published a few weeks ago. I hope you will like them, as I worked on them in earnest, in spite of their title." Fine condition.

From the Robert Batchelder collection, priced by him at $2,900.

Provenance:

This remarkable piece is offered directly from the estate of Robert Batchelder, among the most important dealers of the 20th century who began his passion in autographs and historical documents in the late 1960's. Each piece will include Robert's original description indicating the noted retail price which could have been 20 years ago. Robert's highly diverse background and amazing achievements include a long list of important sociÕ©tal memberships, examples worthy of noting include an honorary member of the Society Cincinnati, a member of the Manuscript Society, the ABAA (Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America), the ANA (American Numismatic Association), the PAGCA (Pennsylvania Antique Gun Collectors Association), the PADA (Professional Autograph Dealer Association), and the UACC (Universal Autograph Collectors Club). He was a graduate of University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and served in the U.S. Army Air Force.

A portion of the commission on Batchelder lots will be donated to the Alzheimer's Foundation.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000