Spalding, Albert. (1888-1953)
Autograph Note Signed and Autograph Portrait with a Collection of Press Clippings and Programs
Small archive of materials related to the American violinist and composer, all from the collection of autograph collector Reverend Robert Gillespie of Oakdale, Tennessee. The archive contains a portrait signed by the violinist, mounted to a photo album sleeve together with a number of programs, newspaper clippings, and ticket stubs. The collection also includes two loose letters, one from Spalding himself in which he mentions soprano Helen Jepson, and another with contemporary reflections on Spalding as a violinist. Overall in fine condition.In the autograph note signed from Spalding (5 November, 1945; on personal stationary card), he writes "Dear Mr. Gillespie: / I have your letter of October 23rd speaking of an RCA publication with pictures which you sent to Miss Jepson- and which Miss Jepson says she sent on to 'the next artist.' You assume this to be me. In any case I can assure you that I have not received it. It is true that I was absent for a year on Govt. service in Europe, but my wife kept track of, or forwarded all correspondence. I am sorry, if by mistake, or misadventure this article [h]as been lost. / Very sincerely, / Albert Spalding."
Together with an amusing and interesting typed letter signed from music critic Malcolm Miller, giving his account of a recent Spalding concert along with his thoughts on Spalding in general. 1 p., 11th of January 1939, in part, "I liked Spalding, especially when he confined himself to straight use of the bow. When he resorted to pizzacato [sic], or plucking of the strings, he lacked the brilliance of Heifetz. / About three weeks ago I heard Heifetz in Chattanooga, and the recollection of that concert took the a little of the edge off of Spalding's work. Heifetz does not sway or wave his bow in the air, or sigh or make faces as he plays. / However, Spalding is a fine violinist and he gave a splendid account of himself. I do not like his attitude as to autographs. He received a large fee for playing in Knoxville, and it would not hurt him to autograph programs as long as people want him to. I think it helps to build good will. When Lawrence Tibbett was here he had a table placed at the rear of the stage, sat behind it, and had everyone line up in single file. He autographed more than 500 programs, and had some pleasant remark for nearly everyone...He had that 'common touch' that Kipling tells people they should not lose, and he gets four or five times as much for a concert as Spalding gets." (21000)
Classical Music Autograph Letter Signature Ephemera Program, unsigned