THE INFINITE VARIETY OF MUSIC
Simon and Schuster, 1966. First Edition. Hardcover with Dust Jacket. SIGNED and inscribed by Bernstein on the FFEP in black felt pen, 'For Stathis Orphanos + Ralph Sylvester / Kindess regards / [Signed] / Xmas, '89.' 287pp. 8vo, red cloth, gilt stamped spine and front-cover lettering. B/w illustrated throughout with photos and score. Exceedingly clean and sharp; DJ tips just a bit rubbed with very short tear to front tail, exceedingly clean and bright otherwise with price of $6.50 intact. Bernstein's second book 'ranges from the glory of Mozart to the ludicrousness of the canned 'music' that assaults us in planes and elevators, from the classic tradition to the challenges facing today's serious avant-garde composer ... Leaonard Bernstein's extraordinary ability to intensify our pleasure in music, to make clear its language, its forms, its intentions, shines through these pages. Here, in book form, is that protean artist whose genius as conductor, composer and pianist is joined with a surpreme gift of teaching.' (From the DJ flap). Of particular note is this book's association with the prominent LA gay couple, Ralph Sylvester and Stathis Orphanos. In addition to Stathis's highly regarded photography, the two operated the great fine-press publishing concern, Sylvester & Orphanos. It was in California where Bernstein first lived openly as a gay man in the 70's and met Stathis and Ralph, signing this and two other books with a Christmas greeting. It would be his last Christmas before dying in October of 1990. FINE / NEAR FINE. Item #505521
Price: $1,500.00