- 60
Karajan, Herbert von.
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description
- Three remarkable autograph love letters signed by the conductor, to the American journalist Mary Roblee, formerly of Vogue
writing, in English, during his troubled career in the mid-1950s, von Karajan seeks solace with the young journalist after the ordeal of his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra at the Carnegie Hall, New York, expresses, at length, his love for her, announces that he is practically fleeing from New York and is exhausted after the performances, explains that he conducted the music just for her and confides in her about the loneliness he experienced during his five weeks in America; later, back in Europe, he expresses his sadness at her absence, characterises his position as someone who is running away from himself, describes his childhood and the pressures which he endured, alludes to a programme for Mozart's Eine kleine Nachtmusik and sends his love, 19 pages, folio and 8vo, two with autograph envelopes, creased at folds, otherwise in good condition, on the headed notepaper of "Hampshire House", New York, Megève and London, undated, postmarked "1955"
These letters contain apparently hitherto unknown and indispensible biographical information about Herbert von Karajan, widely regarded as possibly the greatest conductor of our time.
The romantic content of the letters reveals many new aspects of the man: commonly regarded as a cold, autocratic and steely figure, obsessed by power and the jet-set existence, here are disclosed feelings of a much more tender and generous nature. Clearly buffeted by his mixed and often unfriendly reception in New York, Karajan here displays his vulnerable, wounded, almost affection-seeking nature. It is evident that he blamed his past and his childhood for certain aspects of his character and presents here an almost Byronic attitude: a hero running away from himself and his past.
It was in the 1950s that Karajan established his reputation as a major international figure. But this was never easy given the often hostile response from audiences who could neither forgive nor forget his involvement in the Nazi party in Germany and Austria. In the New York concerts, pigeons had been released during the performance and all sorts of minor demonstrations took place. This affected the conductor more than he admitted in public and made him wish to flee from America. One of the men who helped the conductor was Walter Legge, the British musician, who arranged the tours with the Philharmonia Orchestra. Legge is mentioned in these letters and one of them was sent from his address.
These letters contain apparently hitherto unknown and indispensible biographical information about Herbert von Karajan, widely regarded as possibly the greatest conductor of our time.
The romantic content of the letters reveals many new aspects of the man: commonly regarded as a cold, autocratic and steely figure, obsessed by power and the jet-set existence, here are disclosed feelings of a much more tender and generous nature. Clearly buffeted by his mixed and often unfriendly reception in New York, Karajan here displays his vulnerable, wounded, almost affection-seeking nature. It is evident that he blamed his past and his childhood for certain aspects of his character and presents here an almost Byronic attitude: a hero running away from himself and his past.
It was in the 1950s that Karajan established his reputation as a major international figure. But this was never easy given the often hostile response from audiences who could neither forgive nor forget his involvement in the Nazi party in Germany and Austria. In the New York concerts, pigeons had been released during the performance and all sorts of minor demonstrations took place. This affected the conductor more than he admitted in public and made him wish to flee from America. One of the men who helped the conductor was Walter Legge, the British musician, who arranged the tours with the Philharmonia Orchestra. Legge is mentioned in these letters and one of them was sent from his address.
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."