Signed Photograph

Used; Like New/Used; Like New. Signed Charles Reutlinger of Paris photograph of the esteemed Russian composer whose colorful, dramatic, and expressive works represent the epitome of the Russian Romantic tradition and take a place among the most beloved staples of the concert repertory. Rare original 4.25 x 6 inch cabinet bust portrait of the composer at age 46, taken in Paris, 9/21 June of 1886, signed with his name alone to the upper portion of the image in fountain pen. With backstamp advertising the "14 Medailles" of "Ch. Reutlinger / Paris / 21, Boulevard Montmartre." Light scattered foxing and light fading to image and signature, last few letters slightly smudged, else fine. 

The present photograph was taken when the composer was visiting Paris from mid-May through mid-June of 1886, during which time he attended to family business, worked on his opera The Enchantress, and made the acquaintance of his Paris publisher, Mackar.  "The Committees of the Paris Sebastian Bach Society and the Association for the National Edition of Cherubini's works both elected him an honorary member. Nevertheless it surprised him greatly to learn that a Paris publisher (Félix Mackar) had proposed to P. Jurgenson to buy the right of bringing out his works in France. The sum which Jurgenson received was not indeed excessive, but it testified to the fact that Tchaikovsky's fame had matured and reached the point when it might bring him some material advantage...After F. Mackar had become the representative of Tchaikovsky's interests in Paris he pushed his works with great zeal. First of all he induced him to become a member of the Society of Composers and Publishers, the aim of which was to enforce a certain fee for every work by one of its members performed in public. The yearly sum which Tchaikovsky now began to draw from France can be taken as an authentic proof of the growth of his popularity in that country. This sum increased every year until [his death in]1893." (Rosa Newmarch, The Life & Letters of Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky," p. 501)