Description: This is a signed letter by Arthur Nevin (1871-1943), an American composer, conductor, teacher, and musicologist. He is perhaps best known thesedays as the composer of the opera POIA, whichwas one of the first operas by an American to beperformed in Europe (on April 23, 1910, at the Royal Opera House in Berlin, in a German translation crafted in part by the composer's former teacher, composer Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921).The opera is based on a Blackfoot Indian legend. The letter is handwritten on a 7" by 10" sheet ofpaper, with Nevin's address at that time handwrittenat the top right corner of the page. The reverse side of the letter is blank. The letter is dated Christmas, 1927. The letter does not have a salutation. However,the content of the letter and some online researchmade it clear that the letter was written to a mannamed James Francis Cooke (1875-1960), whowas a pianist, composer, playwright, journalist, and author (he wrote many books on music history and theory, along with a few novels). Cooke was President of the Theodore Presser music publishers from 1925 to 1936, and was editor of The Etude music magazine for more than forty years. He was also the president of the Presser Foundation for 38 years; a fact whichhas a direct connection to the purpose of the letter. Nevin wrote this letter to Cooke specifically in order to thank him for obtaining for him a financial grant from the Presser Foundation. The exact amount of this grant is not mentioned in the letter, but it appears likely to have been a sizable amount. In the letter, Nevin mentions Mr. Presser specifically,and speaks of him in the past tense. This is to beexpected, as Theodore Presser had passed awaytwo years before this letter was written, in late 1925. Fortunately, Arthur Nevin's handwriting is relatively easy to read. The letter begins as follows: Box 642 New Canaan Conn Christmas Day 1927 I hardly know just how to tell you, mydear James Francis, the very great joy your giftgave and the thrill your exceptionally kind lettersent through me! The check from the Foundationwas indeed a most welcome present and did mean so very much to me. But the kind, friendlysentiment of your letter, the gracious thought forme, prompting this kindness, reached deep into myheart; so deep I cannot see how it will ever be possible for me to forget!........... The letter is in very good condition, with a couple of creases where it has been folded. The letter comes with a certificate of authenticity from JG Autographs. Shipping is FREE via USPS First Class Mail. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Price: 100 USD
Location: Columbus, Ohio
End Time: 2024-12-08T02:23:38.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Industry: Music
Signed: Yes
Autograph Authentication: JG Autographs
Original/Reproduction: Original
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
