Lot 440
Weil, Kurt (1900-1950). German born composer whose collaboration with Bertolt Brecht resulted in a revolutionary type of opera, based on social satire.
Typed Letter Signed ("Kurt"). Two pages, quarto, Los Angeles, n.d. (November or December 1943 by content). To theatrical producer Cheryl Crawford. One hand correction on page two. There are two minor flaws at top: a date erasure and a paper abrasion. Mailing folds are very faint and overall condition is very good to fine.
This long, chatty letter to the producer of Weil's new Broadway hit, Touch of Venus, refers to singers, dancers, billing and publicity -- all the things a big-time composer worries about. Weil mentions many of the big names of 1943 Broadway, including Mary Martin, Sono Osato, Agnes de Mille, Moss Hart, Mike Todd and Ira Gershwin. Weil writes: "I cannot quite see how a baritone can do Rodney, but I would have to see him before I can pass any judgment. Everybody out here was appalled that Paula skipped the show the night of Moss' opening. It was a very selfish, unfriendly gesture and a sign of a very bad trooper [sic]. If people out here talked about it, I can imagine what a bad impression it must have made in New York. Gadget (Elia Kazan) has been living with us for a week…As you saw from our wire, we both were quite upset that 2 months after the New York opening of a hit show no posters and Three-sheets were out…I also thought it was a mistake not to give the music a special billing because the score is one of the outstanding success factors of this show,- and nothing whatsoever has been done to exploit this success…'Speak low' [sic] is a big hit out here and is being played all over town. Chappell's have started a big campaign…it should be the most played song on the air after Dec. 4."
Closing his letter with the opinion of many transplanted European composers, he adds: "Not much to report from here. The weather is lovely and we swim every day in the pool. But the place is still as dull as always," Weil finishes "'Venus' will be a great piece of property for a long time and will some day make a lot of money as a movie. That's how it looks from here. Lenya sends her love. As ever, Kurt".
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
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