Typed Letter Signed and Inscribed Photograph

Italian-born American composer and pianist. TLS, 2pp, 6½" X 8", Brooklyn, NY, 1925 May 16. Addressed to pianist John Leiser. Fine. Fascinating, lengthy explanation of how he came to write "Secrets of the Success of Great Musicians." In part: "Why was it, for instance, that some well educated, intelligent person was not at all liked by the majority and indeed was a failure in life? I soon discovered that lack of manners, a repellant personality, an easily recognizable egotism were responsible for this misfortune. Others again have been blessed with the divine spark of genius, but they never reached prominence in life. Why? In my investigations I found out that the reason for their lack of success was that they did not concentrate their efforts in that special branch for which they were gifted, they lacked the 'stick to it', they were too erratic, 'Jack of all trades, master in none.' Others, on the contrary, although endowed with a very small amount of talent, made for themselves an enviable name and obtained important and influential positions. Why? Because they were indefatigable workers and compensated the lack of genius with their diligence and pertinacity." With original envelope. Accompanied by IP, 4" X 6", New York, NY, 1925 n.d. Extra fine. The signature is printed, but Pirani inscribes the photograph to John Leiser. With original envelope, addressed by Pirani.…