Lot 992
Ashkenazy, Vladimir (1937 -) Russian-born conductor and pianist. Autograph letter signed ("V. Ashkenazy"), 6 pp (3 pp, recto and verso), 7¾" x 5¾", Reykjavik, Iceland, April 17, 1973. To Mr. Reddy regarding his inquiry about Ashkenazy's concert tour of October and December 1962. A scathing criticism of the USSR's system of booking their artists for concert tours in the West during the 60s. In part, "…Goskonzer (at least in 1962 and in a different form now undoubtedly also) has to obtain a permission from Central Committee of CPSU [Communist Party Soviet Union] for an artist's tour. These permissions are given for a certain period. …I am dispatched to the U.S. and poor Ponomarev has to beg Hurok to cancel two concerts because the permission ends Dec 7! Great! 'Poor' Ponomarev --because it is he who is responsible for getting the artist back in USSR before the permission expires! Nobody in the CC will listen to his arguments that the permission was given after the tour had already been organized. Russia is not built on reason. It is built on order and obeyance of the order. 'Bring him back on Dec, 7 or else!' …of course with a permission from the CC of CPSU. Glorious CPSU! -- it gives permissions! You see how good it is!! It allows! It allows to walk, to ride a bus, to go to the toilet. Glorious CPSU!." Accompanied by a Signed Photo of the conductor, color, 6" x 4". Inscribed and signed ("V Ashkenazy") in silver ink. Fine condition.
Estimated Value $300 - 400.
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