Fine Printed Books & Manuscripts, Including Americana

One page, small 4to (273 x 191 mm), on personal letterhead, old folds, original envelope printed with Gershwin's address, hinge mounted; framed.

ELEPHANTS AND GERSHWINS NEVER FORGET.

Widely regarded as George Gershwin’s masterpiece, Porgy and Bess was his first and only opera, based on DuBose Heyward’s novel Porgy. The opera featured a libretto by Heyward and lyrics by both Heyward and Ira Gershwin. “In Heyward as collaborator,” wrote noted biographer Charles Schwartz, “Gershwin found almost the perfect partner for realizing in musical-theatrical terms this story about the crippled beggar Porgy and the poor blacks of Charleston.” Insisting on an all-Black cast—an unprecedented move at the time—the Gershwins helped bring authenticity and depth to the production, which was staged by the Theatre Guild and premiered at Boston’s Colonial Theatre on 30 September 1935, before moving to Broadway in mid-October. Though Porgy and Bess quickly became one of the best-known and most frequently performed American operas, it sparked controversy from the outset for its portrayal of African American life by an all-white creative team.

In his letter, Gershwin responds to Mrs. Cooper's previous request by sending her a copy of the 570-page vocal score to Porgy and Bess, published earlier that year in January 1936. "I suppose you thought I had lost the elephant instinct in me and forgotten about your request but elephants and Gershwins never forget so I am sending you the vocal score (570 pages) inscribed. I hope you have fun picking out some of the passages you like best. By the way, I called your hotel when you were in New York and left word but evidently it never reached you. Hoping you are well, Very sincerely, George Gershwin."

[With:] Autograph note, presumably from the hotel where Mrs. Cooper was staying, regarding the missed call mentioned in the letter: "Call -20121- Mr. Gershwin when you come in."

[With:] Black & white photograph of Gershwin.