Remarkable collection of sixty items embodying the long career of Leonard Bernstein, including more than fifty items signed by Bernstein himself and others signed by his mentors and collaborators. Consisting of AMQSs, signed photos, letters, contracts, programs, scores, and books, this collection covers the width and breadth of his compositions and conducting career. Virtually every one of his major compositions is represented in some form. Among the highlights are: Thirteen AMQSs by Bernstein on cards and slips ranging from 5 x 3 to 8 x 5, with titles including: ‘Lamentation’ from Jeremiah; ‘New York, New York’ from On the Town; ‘The Masque’ from The Age of Anxiety; ‘The Epilogue’ from The Age of Anxiety; ‘Love Theme’ from On the Waterfront; the opening of ‘Serenade after Plato's ‘Symposium’’; opening overture from West Side Story; ‘I Feel Pretty’ from West Side Story; ’Maria’ from West Side Story; the scherzo from Kaddish; intro from Chichester Psalms; third movement from Chichester Psalms; and ‘Take Care of This House’ from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Three photos of Bernstein signed with AMQSs: a fantastic 8 x 10 photo of Bernstein conducting, signed and inscribed with three bars from the first movement ‘Prophecy’ of Jeremiah; an 8 x 10 portrait featuring three bars from the ‘danzon’ of Fancy Free; and a 12 x 10.5 photo featuring three bars of music and lyrics from ‘Music I Heard With You.’ Also includes an original artist’s ink sketch on a 9 x 12 sheet, signed by Bernstein with two bars of music and lyrics from the hymn 'A Simple Song’ from Mass. Two documents: a contract for the motion picture rights to On the Town, January 2, 1945, signed by Leonard Bernstein, Adolph Green, Betty Comden, and Jerome Robbins; and a 1954 contract concerning royalties for Wonderful Town, signed by Bernstein, Green, and Comden. Other items signed by Bernstein include six additional photos of various sizes, eight scores and sheet music booklets, six playbills and programs, four books, two holiday cards, a letter mentioning “my Bach program on Omnibus,” a mourning acknowledgment card following the death of his wife, a ticket to the world premiere of Mass, and two souvenir typescripts. Among the other autographed items in the collection are signed photos of Dimitri Mitropoulos and Artur Rodzinski, an artist’s drawing signed by Bruno Walter, a letter by Bernstein’s father Samuel Bernstein, a souvenir typescript signed by Stephen Sondheim, an AQS by Stephen Wadsworth, and a couple items signed by Adolph Green and Betty Comden. Many of the items are removably encapsulated in archival mylar. In overall fine condition. A complete list is available online at RRAuction.com. 2018 will mark the centenary of Leonard Bernstein's birth. Many concerts and exhibitions are in the planning stages, and this archive would be a significant contribution to any exhibit.
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