André Watts

André Watts (born June 20, 1946), classical pianist and professor at the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Watts and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1989 / Andre Watts playing Piano Concerto No 2 in B. Flat major Op 19 by Beethoven / April 14, 1989 / Carnegie Hall."

Watts' performance of the Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat at a Young People's Concert on January 12, 1963 was videotaped and nationally televised on CBS on January 15, 1963. The pianist was accompanied by the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Leonard Bernstein. Before the concert, Bernstein introduced Watts to the national television audience, stating that he "flipped" when he first heard Watts play.

On January 1, 1963, Bernstein asked Watts to fill in for the ailing Glenn Gould, the scheduled soloist for the New York Philharmonic's regular subscription concert. Watts again played the Liszt E-flat Concerto. When he had sounded his final cadenza, the whole orchestra joined the audience in a standing ovation. Even the violinists put down their bows and applauded him. Watts' first LP The Exciting Debut of André Watts, was shortly thereafter released on Columbia Masterworks records, and included the Liszt Concerto with Bernstein and the Philharmonic.

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean.