Description

California, May 17, 1959. 215 by 140mm (8½ by 5½ inches). Typed signed letter by Igor Stravinsky, addressed in ink to “Dear Merle Armitage” on Stravinsky’s printed notepaper. The note is typed: “Back from Japan I received your word of May 15. I certainly will be glad to have a copy of the Siohan’s book (I heard about it) and thank you for offering it to me. Flying the 20th to Copenhagen (for a few days) and will send you your copy with my signature as soon as I will receive it (hoping before my trip). All best, cordially yours. I. Stravinsky” (signed in ink).

Fine.

Merle Armitage (1893-1975) was an American set designer, tour manager, and author. Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971), of course, was one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century.

Armitage and Stravinsky were close friends. Armitage edited the first book on Stravinsky in 1936, and a second book in 1949, and they collaborated on many programs at the Hollywood Bowl over the years. The “Siohan’s book” referred to is a biography of Stavinsky published in 1959, written by Robert Siohan.

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