Remarkable American composer (1900–1959) who earned the nickname “Bad Boy of Music” for his raucous avant-garde works of the 1920s. His best-known work, the percussion-heavy, theatrical extravaganza Ballet mécanique, features multiple player pianos, electric bells, and airplane propellers; the work caused a riot at its 1924 Paris premiere and cemented Antheil’s reputation. Notable among his wide range of pursuits was a collaboration with famed Hollywood beauty Hedy Lamarr on a radio-directed torpedo, for which the two shared a patent. Scarce early ALS on both sides of a 5.5 x 3.5 picture postcard, signed “George Antheil,” 1930. Antheil writes from Bregenz, Austria to composer Richard Hammond in New York City. In part: “I forgot something while I was over in N.Y.C.—I wished to get some photos of NYC, especially Child’s [a popular restaurant], the new skyscraper tower, and N.Y. from the Brooklyn Bridge for the decor of my opera in Frankfurt. Do you by any chance have any, and if so could you quickly send me a few—no matter if they are simply torn from newspaper supplements! I know it is a terrible imposition but I honestly do not know to whom to turn, and we need them quickly…. We are up here skiing!…” Antheil’s first, jazz-influenced opera, Transatlantic, premiered in Frankfurt on May 25, 1930. Slightly indistinct contrast to closing passage and signature against background (though clearly legible in person), otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
