Four TLSs, each one page, ranging in size from 5.25 x 8.25 to 8.5 x 11, dated between 1942 and 1946, all addressed to the Hungarian-born conductor Zoltan Fekete. The first, October 28, 1942, in part: “Regarding your request for me to make a criticism of your scores—this, in my opinion, would be valueless because only after I have conducted them several times would I really be able to make any suggestions to you that would be based on the deeper knowledge of your scores which is necessary. I do not believe in the reading of scores. It is only by sounding them that we really can know them.” The second, dated January 26, 1944, in part: “We are all going to do our best, and I am sure we are going to do wonderful things.” The third, October 31, 1944, in part: “Thank you for your kind offer to help me. I find it is necessary to study all scores myself because I am responsible to the composers and to the public.” The last letter, written on Hollywood Bowl Association letterhead, dated August 29, 1946, in full: “I am just finishing my work in conducting in Hollywood Bowl and am leaving in a few days for New York. I suggest you send your score to me c/o New York Philharmonic Orchestra about October 1. I am sure the librarian will take good care of it, and I will study it as soon as I reach there.” In overall very good to fine condition, with some light creasing and toning.
