Description
Scriabin, Alexander (1872 – 1915)
Scriabin discusses proof copies of Prometheus
A rare and fine two-page autograph letter signed, ‘A. Scriabin’, to Nikolai Gustavovich [von Struve], undated, but before 12th January 1911.
The composer writes in Russian in relation to his tone poem, Prometheus, op.60. Scriabin informs Struve that he has sent him the last set of corrected proofs. He discussing corrections which are to be made to the instrumental parts, and whether they will be made by the printer – if so, he insists that an experienced man should be chosen; he also gives his opinion on the wrappers for the printed edition which are to have a design by the Symbolist artist Jean Delville, requesting that Delville’s name should be given due prominence, and finally that the instrumentation should also be printed in German.
Whilst Prometheus is not named in the text, it is clearly the work under discussion: it had been first performed in Moscow on 2nd March that year under the baton of Serge Koussevitzky. Baron Nikolai von Struve (1876-1920) was the director of the music publishers Russian Musical Editions (founded by Koussevitzky) which published the work, with its striking cover by Delville, in 1912.
Letters of Scriabin are scarce, and rarely offered. Two small punch-holes, otherwise in very fine condition.