- 157
Rachmaninov, Sergei.
Estimate
2,000 - 2,500 GBP
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Description
- Fine autograph letter signed ("S.R."), in Russian, to his private secretary Nikolai Mandrovsky,
- ink on paper
about his devotion to Russia, expressing his sentiments as a Russian and his desire to help his country during a time of war, explaining that he feels committed to playing for a benefit concert for Russia as, whilst many want to help America, only a few want to help Russia, and that he therefore cannot accept Nathan Milstein's invitation to play in an American fund-raising concert; Rachmaninov also discusses with Mandrovsky playing the Second Concerto and Symphonic Dances in Minneapolis, the First or Fourth Concerto in New York, and Beethoven's First Concerto and the Paganini Rhapsody in Chicago and San Francisco, and asks for further details about planned concerts in Los Angeles and Texas, 2 pages, 4to, printed stationery, Beverly Hills, 31 August 1942, slight browning at folds,
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
Rachmaninov's loyalty to Russia, and in particular fellow expatriates, is quite remarkable: he continually used up available funds supporting them. He had suffered personally from the Russian Revolution, since his family estates had been confiscated and he had had to leave behind all the autograph manuscripts of his most famous works composed there.