454

JEROME KERN A.Ms.S.

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
JEROME KERN A.Ms.S.
<b>454. JEROME KERN</b> (1889 - 1945)<b> </b>American composer best known for his scores for musical comedies (<i>Showboat</i>), and songs such as "Old Man River" and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes". Rare and most desirable A.Ms.S., 4pp. folio, [n.p., n.d. but ca. early 1920s], an ink handwritten musical score for his vocal duet originally entitled "<i>The Ship's Bell</i>" in the hand of Kern, crossed out and re-titled "<i>The Lovely Lorelei</i>", and signed "<i>Jerome Kern</i>" at the upper-right corner of the first page. The score's new title is in the hand of noted lyricist <b>ANNE CALDWELL </b>(1876 - 1936), with whom Kern collaborated on many recordings such as Night Boat, and she additionally signs at upper-left "<i>Anne Caldwell</i>". Obtained by us from a direct descendant of noted musical director and conductor Victor Baravalle (1885-1939). Baravalle collaborated closely with Kern, serving as musical director and conductor for the original 1927 Broadway production of "Show Boat", as well as the 1936 film of the same name. Indeed, a 1932 <i>Variety</i> article notes that Baravalle collaborated closely with Kern since 1916, and adds: "...Kern depends so much on Mr. Baravalle that he insists on this gentleman directing every musical show that he writes...". Apparently unpublished, this song was likely used during a benefit performance at the Metropolitan for the Actors Equity Association or Lamb's Gambol, N.Y.C., where it would have been conducted by Baravalle himself. The lyrics begin: "<i>I remember reading in an old mythology, of a lady called the Lor-e-lei, In the olden time she was a vampire of the sea...</i>".<b> </b>Bearing pencil corrections as well as the original ink music and lyrics. A vertical fold, slight fold tear and minor marginal wear, overall in very good condition. A superb association piece!<b>$3,000-4,000</b>