In A Mist. A Modern Piano Solo; [together with a copy of the sheet music].

BEIDERBECKE, Leon "Bix", & William Challis.

Published by New York: Robbins Music Corporation, 1928

About this Item

Signed by both Bix and Bill Challis, Whiteman orchestra MD and one of Beiderbecke's greatest supporters in his very last, desperate years. Bix's signature, due to his short life and ragged lifestyle, is a rare thing. "In A Mist", a Debussyesque sketch, transcribed for Bix by Challis, is probably his most famous piece, suggestive of a brilliance ahead of his time, of places jazz could, and would eventually, go. "Despite the brevity of the mature phase of his career, Beiderbecke is an immortal of jazz, a man whose life has assumed almost mythic proportions. Celebrated musicians who had the good fortune to hear him in his prime have characterized him as 'the master,' a 'once-in-a-million artist.' Equally enthusiastic jazz critics and historians have seen in him 'the first real modernist in jazz,' 'a musical genius,' 'the great romantic legend of American jazz,' and 'the first great white jazz musician.' Possessed of a stunningly pure, burnished tone, Beiderbecke brought to jazz a virtually unparalleled lyricism and poignancy. Harmonically, he operated at a level of sophistication that eluded the majority of his cohorts" (ANB). Folio, 4-page score. Framed and glazed, measuring 423 x 343 mm. Letter of authentication from handwriting analyst Giles Weigandt (dated 2006). A little toned, some minor wear at the edges, but overall very good.

Seller Inventory # 166575

Bibliographic Details

• Title: In A Mist. A Modern Piano Solo; [together with a copy of the sheet music].
• Publisher: New York: Robbins Music Corporation, 1928
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)