[Liszt, Franz. (1811–1886)] Mottl, Felix. (1856–1911). Signed Photograph to the Violin Soloist in Liszt's "Hungaria.". Uncommon signed photograph of the Austrian conductor and composer who assisted Hans Richter in preparing the first complete Ring Cycle at Bayreuth in 1876, and himself conducted Tristan und Isolde at Bayreuth in 1886. In the last week of his life he married his longtime mistress, the soprano Zdenka Fassbender. Bust portrait by Elliott & Fry, approx. 4.25 x 6.5 inches. Signed ("Felix Mottl") and inscribed on the verso to an esteemed colleague on the occasion of a performance on Liszt's Symphonic Poem Hungaria, dated 15 May, 1895. Roughly translated, the inscription reads: "My esteemed colleague, here is a memory of the performance of Hungaria, in which you, as solo-gypsy, receive my deepest thanks." In very good condition, surface crease not visible on photograph recto, but which can be seen on the verso, which is also rather toned.


Liszt's symphonic poem Hungaria features an extended violin cadenza in its first section and we presume the inscription to be addressed to the violinist who was playing it that night at Karlsruhe, where Mottl was conducting during this period.