Sergei Prokofiev Typed Letter Signed TLS Music Content Puccini Reference PSA/DNA

Description

An 8 1/4" x 9 7/8" Typed Letter Signed With Remarkable Music Content Regarding Criticism, Alexander Glazunov, Puccini, Piano Concerto #5 in G Minor & Sonatinas Op.54
Autographed by
Sergei Prokofiev
with Signature Variation
"Serge Prokofieff"
in Blue Fountain Pen
with text in full:
"Serge Prokofieff,
5, rue Valentin Haüy,
Paris XV, France.
July 16th, 1932.
Mr. Watson Lyle,
The White House,
Navestock, Essex.
Dear Mr. Lyle,
Thank you for sending me a copy of the "Bookman" , but I already, a month ago, received one from other sources. I expected your article to be the first serious study on my music after 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. Anyhow, I sincerely appreciate the benevolence expressed in your article and hope that in the "Musical Mirror" you will be able to take the subject more seriously.
While writing the new article, 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." The very word "emotion" I asked you to use with caution; otherwise you will make your readers beleave that a new Puccini is born.
Please use my photograph for the next article and do not worry to send it back. I cannot send you the score of my new piano concerto, for I still need it. Instead of the score I send you two new
sonatinas 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.
With kindest regards and thanks,
Sincerely yours,
Serge Prokofieff"
Fantastic content and personality found within this correspondence showing Prokofiev's concerns and interests of representation within the musical world.
Watson Lyle, a writer and critic based in the United Kingdom, put out two magazines, The Bookman & Musical Mirror. The former, appearing as a Reader's Digest approach to the latest in the arts, while the latter a more focused lens on the art of contemporary classical music.
The grousing of Prokofiev in the first paragraph, complaining about the lack of awareness within the English intelligentsia, proves insightful into the frustrations within the composer's life during his inevitable transition back to the USSR.
Alexander Glazunov, a gifted composer in his own right, served as a mentor to many notable Soviet composers while operating the St. Petersburg//Petrograd/Leningrad Conservatory, including Dmitri Shostakovich.
Referencing Puccini as a warning to not include emotion in the description of his works further identifies Prokofiev's need to be heard as his own person and creator.
The piano concerto mentioned is #5 in G Minor, while the two sonatinas are catalogued Op.54.
Overall, one of the best letters we've handled and are excited to offer for sale.
CLAIM TO FAME:
Soviet (Ukrainian) Composer Known For Many Works, including Lt. Kijé, Romeo & Juliet and Peter & the Wolf.
One of the most prominent musicians of the 20th century.
STILL SIGNING?
Prokofiev Died on March 5, 1953 at age 61, Interestingly, the Same Day as Stalin.
THIRD PARTY AUTHENTICATION:
Authenticated by PSA/DNA with assigned certification
#AD04805
As mandated by AB 1570, I'm required to have a separate letter of authenticity accompany any sports & entertainment autographs purchased.
CONDITION:
Folded into equal fourths, assumedly for mailing with mild handling present along borders and corners with minor stain under "Sincerely" and a pencil notation in an unknown hand on the reverse. All grammatical errors and incorrect spellings in the text are present in the document itself, not changed or edited in my description. Slight toning with minimal wear to corners and edges, save any previous description.
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