- 43
Ferrier, Kathleen.
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Collection of ten autograph and typed signed ("Kathleen" , "Kath" or "Klever Kaff"), and two by her secretary Bernardine Hammond, when she was too ill to write,
to the impresario Peter Diamand, documenting her brief career as the pre-eminent British contralto of the century, discussing programmes for the Holland Festival, also her operatic performances, including Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice, and recordings; Bruno Walter, Benjamin Britten, Peter Pears, Szell, Karajan, the Barbirollis and many others, as well as her final illness, writing in her characteristic breezy and humorous style, discussing her repertoire, including works by Brahms, Flothuis, Telemann, Britten, Mahler and others, expressing her thanks to the Diamands for their kindnesses and describing her treatment during her long illness
25 pages, most with envelopes, stamped and postmarked, London and elsewhere, 1946-1953
...Waterloo—outside entrance to buffet. 5.15 Saturday & if I lose you I shall sing "Che Faro senz' Peter Diamand "on the loud speaker!...Am so pleased Bruno Walter remembered me...the 3 concerts [Vienna, 1950] have gone well& the notices were a 'bit of orl rite'! Klever Kaff.!...[John Newmark]...is coaching me in some Chausson and my French, with Lancashire accent, is something to be heard to be believed...Went all prima donna yesterday and told Mr V.Beinem off...I sang like a pig at night in the Kindertotenlieder...I had an almost hysterical birthday party with Ben and Peter and Basil D...and when they had gone the place looked debauched in the extreme. The hospital chef baked me a beautiful cake and all the nurses came in one by one, not really for the cake—but to gaze on Ben & Peter...The Canticle [Abraham and Isaac] is a pet—I think you would love it—very simple and moving—I cried all the way to Aldburgh [sic] in the train learning it—but I have recovered now!...
25 pages, most with envelopes, stamped and postmarked, London and elsewhere, 1946-1953
...Waterloo—outside entrance to buffet. 5.15 Saturday & if I lose you I shall sing "Che Faro senz' Peter Diamand "on the loud speaker!...Am so pleased Bruno Walter remembered me...the 3 concerts [Vienna, 1950] have gone well& the notices were a 'bit of orl rite'! Klever Kaff.!...[John Newmark]...is coaching me in some Chausson and my French, with Lancashire accent, is something to be heard to be believed...Went all prima donna yesterday and told Mr V.Beinem off...I sang like a pig at night in the Kindertotenlieder...I had an almost hysterical birthday party with Ben and Peter and Basil D...and when they had gone the place looked debauched in the extreme. The hospital chef baked me a beautiful cake and all the nurses came in one by one, not really for the cake—but to gaze on Ben & Peter...The Canticle [Abraham and Isaac] is a pet—I think you would love it—very simple and moving—I cried all the way to Aldburgh [sic] in the train learning it—but I have recovered now!...
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."
Catalogue Note
Letters by Kathleen Ferrier are of great rarity. As well as being arguably the greatest English singer of the twentieth century, she was also one of the most attractive characters. This is strongly in evidence in this unpublished series vividly describing her extraordinarily complex career tragically curtailed.