BERNSTEIN, LEONARD

Group of signed items. Including an inscribed vintage gelatin silver print of a young Leonard Bernstein with his Doberman, dated 1950 and signed "B," with the original envelope in Bernstein's hand addressing this to Bill Dillon. 5 1/2 x 4 inches (14 x 11 cm), light handling crease; A 1947 card with manuscript note from Bernstein, with the envelope addressed to William Dillon, the New Year's card with the note "Thanks for something I've really been wanting! All the Best, L."; and a later signature of the maestro on a yellow slip, presented above a portrait; Together with a typed letter signed and two signed notes from Helen Coates, Bernstein's piano teacher and private secretary, all to Bill Dillon and dated 1949-50, the typed letter with interesting content about Israel "The Israelis are, I believe, the most musical people in the world.... Loving the country and the people, and their wonderful spirit and courage, as I do, I am very eager to do something constructive about their musical needs..."

Such early and casual photographs of Bernstein are rare, particularly personal photographs with his beloved Doberman. We trace items sent to Bernstein from Bill Dillon in the Bernstein papers at the Library of Congress. A Leonard Bernstein biopic, titled Maestro and starring Bradley Cooper as the great conductor, is slated for release later this year.

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