Composer, arranger, and violinist (1900-1956) who conducted the first album of Wizard of Oz songs, and received 22 Acadamy Award nominations during his lifetime, only winning posthumously for his score of Around the World in Eighty Days. TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, Paramount Pictures Inc. letterhead, January 26, 1944. Letter to columnist Jimmy Starr, in part: "For the first time in the history of motion picture music, a major recording company has taken the score of one film and assembled that music into one album. That has been done for the score to Paramount's film version of 'For Whom the Bell Tolls.' In composing this music I made a deliberate attempt to maintain the mood and the spirit of the story and the characters. Leaving behind the traditional classicism of the 'Carmen' and 'Habanera' school of Spanish music, I attempted to write for the basic, earthy theme which is 'For Whom the Bell Tolls.' The result was the three hour score which became the 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' music." In fine condition.
The classic Ernest Hemingway novel For Whom the Bell Tolls was adapted to the screen in 1943, starring Gary Cooper as Robert Jordan and Ingrid Bergman as Maria. Victor Young's soundtrack, which he discusses here in detail, became the the first complete score from an American film to be issued on record. A desirable and historic letter from a celebrated film composer.
This item is Pre-Certified by Beckett
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
(inquire for price)
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
