Polish pianist, composer, and politician (1860–1941) whose abounding talent and personal magnetism made him one of the most popular virtuosi of all time. In a career move that remains unique in the annals of classical music, Paderewski served for a year (1919) as Prime Minister of Poland before resuming a successful career as a concert artist. An incredibly unique individual, he was granted honorary knighthood by Great Britain, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was temporarily buried in Arlington National Cemetery. ALS signed “I. J. Paderewski,” two pages both sides, 6.75 x 8.5, personal stationery, August 15, 1925. Letter to politician and author James M. Beck. In part: “It was an extremely kind and generous thought that prompted you in sending me such a charming message of congratulations. It touched me very much indeed, for it was a new evidence of your good friendship so precious to me. I only received your letter on the 19th of July, upon returning home, There have been many causes, too long to explain, which prevented me from thanking you until this moment, the principal among them being a big crowd of guests in our house. I sincerely hope that you will most graciously forgive the delay. I have now completed the reading of your ‘Constitution,’ and I cannot tell you how intensely I have enjoyed it. For years, I have not read a more interesting and captivating book. It is full of knowledge without being pedantic, it is full of vigor and of life and yet so noble and benevolent in spirit. The wealth of erudition, the multitude of previously unknown facts, the admirable grouping of an enormously rich material collected with the patience of a Benedictine monk, all make it one of the most important and most valuable contributions to the history of our civilization, while the lucidity of style, the gracefulness of the narrative and, above all, the unceasingly generous human touch add to it fascinating, irresistible charm. All those remarkable men who took part in the momentous assembly are portrayed with the skill of a master painter. How lofty, dignified, majestic is Washington! How harmonious and lovable is the dear old Franklin! How engaging and vivid are Madison, the impulsive and chivalrous Hamilton…What a delightful picture is that dinner at Franklin’s house! The reader invited by you to the historical repast eaten with the illustrious converse and drink…but he cannot help thinking what would happen to those giants who made your country so ‘great in its infancy,’ who founded the mightiest of all nations while wishing they were still alive and still drinking that delicious ‘porter.’ They would be naturally arrested, censored and punished for the transgression of a constitution made by themselves. Was it not a pious man, the head of your Navy Department, who, some years ago, made all your sailors dry, discarding the fact that the first patriarchal navigator, Noah, had a well pronounced inclination for drinking and even, according to the chronicle of his race, indulged in it more than a little? There are so many things I would like to say in connection with your beautiful book and especially about the last three chapters treating the grave problems of the present day. All the remarks therein contained are so judicious, profound and wide that whoever got eyes to see cannot but share your anxiety and concern. Unfortunately, I must stop now. So let me congratulate you most cordially upon your fine and noble achievement; let me most warmly thank you for having given me so great an enjoyment, for having added so much to my little knowledge.” Central vertical and horizontal folds, areas of old toned tape to the top and bottom edges of each page, light scattered soiling, and an area of light damp staining to the lower left of the second page, slightly affecting the bottom of the signature, otherwise fine condition. A wonderful letter from one of the world’s most interesting musical polymaths—it seems that if he had not been so busy with music and politics, Paderewski could have been a revered writer or historian. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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