Holograph Musical Quotation Signed: "April in Paris". Together with an 8 x 10 inch publicity photograph.

DUKE, Vernon.

Published by 1941

About this Item

Boldly penned and lengthy musical quotation - the first seven measures including lyrics - of one of Duke's finest and most memorable compositions, neatly inscribed "To Lionel A. Aucoin from Vernon Duke Sept. 27th, 1941". "April in Paris" is, of course, one of the timeless standards of the "Great American Songbook", originally composed for the 1932 Broadway musical Walk a Little Faster, with words by E. Y. "Yip" Harburg. It has been performed by almost every significant jazz and popular singer since its composition, although perhaps its most unforgettable incarnation is in the arrangement by Wild Bill Davis for the Basie band, released on the 1957 album of the same name; it also takes centre stage in the most famous screen appearance by a big band when Mel Brooks placed the Basie organization - with glorious incongruity - in the middle of the desert in Blazing Saddles (1974). Vernon Duke (1903-1969) was born Vladimir Dukelsky in Parafianovo, Russia. In 1924 he settled in Paris and worked with Serge Dhiagelev. During the late 20s he spent much of his time in London working for the musical stage, before moving to New York in 1929 and teaming with lyricist "Yip" Harburg; he became an American citizen in 1939. "April in Paris" aside, Duke composed a handful of imperishable songs: "Autumn in New York", "I Can't Get Started" and "Taking a Chance on Love". The recipient, Lionel A. Aucoin (1912-2008), was a licensed insurance agent based in Spencer, Massachusetts, whose obituary states that he was also a "saxophone player and stamp collector". His collecting bug clearly extended to musical autographs as we have traced quotations inscribed to him by Percy Grainger, Bohuslav Martinu, Sigmund Romberg and W. C. Handy. Inscribed musical quotations by Vernon Duke are decidedly uncommon and this is a superb example: in fact, it would be difficult to imagine a more fitting musical memento. 97 x 230 mm. Written across four staves of printed sheet music. Very minor abrading to verso where tape professionally lifted. In excellent condition.

Seller Inventory # 121835

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Holograph Musical Quotation Signed: "April in Paris". Together with an 8 x 10 inch publicity photograph.
• Publisher: 1941
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)