Copland, Aaron. (1900–1990) [Britten, Benjamin. (1913–1976)]. Autograph Manuscript Fragment. Autograph manuscript fragment in the hand of Aaron Copland. A section of Benjamin Britten's "Soirées Musicales" which Copland wrote out and apparently gave to trumpet player Donald Lipsey in preparation for a Copland-conducted performance of this work. On a fragment of manuscript paper 24 x 16 cm, 20 measures written in pencil on both sides, identified at "Tirolese Benjamin Britten" on one side and also with "Tacet" scrawled below. In worn and soiled condition, multiple creases, partial separation along the central horizontal fold. An interesting association.



"Britten...regarded [Copland] as a paternal figure...referring to him as 'my cheery 'Father'." (Donald Mitchell, "Britten: Letters from a life," p. 88)