Britten, Benjamin. (1913–1976) & Pears, Peter. (1910–1986) [Lotte Jacobi (1896–1990)] Original Photograph

Britten, Benjamin. (1913–1976) & Pears, Peter. (1910–1986) [Lotte Jacobi (1896–1990)]

Original Photograph

Original 1941 photograph by Lotte Jacobi of the composer and celebrated tenor, seated together at the keyboard. Signed lower right margin by the photographer and titled lower left, undated and probably printed ca. 1960. Mounted to rigid backing, matted and framed with only the image showing [3.75 x 2.75 inches].

Jacobi photographed Britten and Pears during their American tour (August, 1939 to March, 1942), while they were staying at the NY home of William and Elizabeth Mayer, a psychiatrist and a pianist who were friends and frequent hosts of Britten and Pears during their American visits. This photograph, taken 29 December, 1941 shows the two musicians seated side by side at the piano, apparently during an evening of chamber music playing. The unique creative partnership between these two artists may be claimed to have been without parallel elsewhere in musical history. (11565)

Unsigned Photo Opera