CHALIAPIN FEODOR (1873-1938), AUTOGRAPH [ON THE CENTENARY OF AMERICAN TOURING] Handwritten letter addressed to Solomon Gurkov. Paris, July 31, 1924.

Lotto 720

1 5002 000

2 pages. In Russian. Signed at the end of the text: F. Chaliapin. In good condition. Folding marks. Letter from Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin, sent from Paris on July 31, 1924. The addressee is the famous American impresario Sol Yurok (Solomon Gurkov; 1888-1974). It was he who organized F. Chaliapin’s concerts in the United States in 1921-1927. The letter mentions the fees for 35 performances by the singer: $3,000 for one main concert and $2,000 for one additional performance. The fee turned out to be enormous. Feodor Chaliapin was capricious, refusing to sing. Several performances were canceled as a result. However, S. Yurok still managed to find a way to persuade the artist and skillfully organize an advertising campaign. Chaliapin’s concert at the Metropolitan Opera was a huge success. Subsequently, only S. Yurok organized the American tours of the brilliant singer.

Upon the buyer’s request, we are pleased to provide a general condition report for the Lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise prospective buyers to conduct their own inspection or consult a specialist or restorer of their choice for a comprehensive professional assessment. Any condition descriptions provided in the catalogue or through any correspondence are for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for a firsthand evaluation.

NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ‘AS IS’ IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.