Collection of Autograph Letters Signed, Carbon Copy Letters (not signed), Several Related Letters and a Program.

Straus, Oscar

About this Item

Six ALS to Ann Ronell; one signed program and signed card; five retained carbon copy letters from Ann Ronell to Straus (not signed); Two related letters from Carl Deis (one signed, one not); all between the years 1941-1943. Oscar Straus (1870-1954) was a Vienna born composer who wrote operettas, comic operas, ballets, film scores, and many individual songs. His most popular works are A WALTZ DREAM (1907) and THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER (1908), adapted from George Bernard Shaw's play ARMS AND THE MAN. These letters are written to Ann Ronell (1906-93). Ms Ronell was an American composer and lyricist. She is the co-writer of the Disney cartoon song "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf" and also the American jazz standard "Willow Weep for Me". She married the producer Lester Cowan (1907-1995) in 1935. Straus and Ronell collaborated on four songs for "the Los Angeles production" of THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER. Straus inscribes an invitation from the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera Association, which was honoring him at a luncheon: "To my dear and charming collaborator Ann Ronell" (June 4, 1941). The letters back and forth between Straus and Ms Ronell touch on follow up work connected to their collaboration and show the mutual professional esteem and affection they have for one another. One of the issues that runs through the letters is what to do with Ann's piano, which is in Straus's hotel room in New York, In a early letter Straus writes that he has telephoned Ann's secretary about it, later he has it moved to a Mr. Herzog's room in the same hotel. At the end of the letters, Straus writes that he has had the piano moved to the residence of his son Erwin. Ann writes that she will contact Erwin the next time she is in New York. In the letters Straus writes Ann about the works that he is composing and tours that he is making. Their relationship hits a troubled spot when Straus has apparently allowed lyrics a Dorothy Thomas has written for "All of Always" (from The Chocolate Soldier) to be substituted for lyrics Ann has written. Ann wants to know what this is all about. Straus writes back about "this dammed Thomas Song" that "you must know that our friendship means more to me than any practical benefits. So please tell me, what shall be done and I will do, what you say." Two letters from Carl Deis To Ann Ronell -- one original, one carbon copy -- are in regard to the publication of some of Straus' music. Fine clean copies of these letters relating to Oscar Straus.

Seller Inventory # 12451

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Collection of Autograph Letters Signed, Carbon Copy Letters (not signed), Several Related Letters and a Program.
• Binding: No Binding
• Condition: Collectible-Fine
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Music