KAPELL, WILLIAM. (1922-1953). American pianist. SP. (“William Kapell”). 1p. 8vo. (4¼” x 6¼”). N.p., N.d. A striking black-and-white photograph taken by German-Argentinian portrait photographer Annemarie Heinrich of Kapell casually leaning on his elbow. Boldly signed by Kapell in the lower margin.
The son of New York City bookstore owners, Kapell began public performances at the age of ten and was unusual for being an American-born concert professional. By the age of 20, his fame had skyrocketed. Audiences around the world adored him; his peers, including Aaron Copland and Artur Rubinstein, admired him; and conductors, such as Bernstein, Stokowski, Monteux and Reiner, sought his collaboration. His sudden death in a plane crash at the age of 31 was a great loss to the music world.
Scarce and in excellent condition.
