Gaby Casadesus

Gaby Casadesus (August 9, 1901 - November 12, 1999), French classical pianist and teacher born in Marseilles, France. She was married to the famous French pianist Robert Casadesus, and their son Jean Casadesus was also a notable pianist. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Casadesus and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1983 / Master Classes by Gaby Casadesus at The Mannes College of Music."

As a teacher, Gaby Casadesus taught in the US, at the Salzburg Mozarteum, at the Académie Maurice Ravel in Saint-Jean de Luz and at the American Conservatoire at Fontainebleau. Among her notable pupils are Donna Amato, David Deveau, Rudy Toth, and Vladimir Valjarević. Together with Grant Johannesen and Odette Valabrègue Wurtzburger, Gaby Casadesus co-founded the Robert Casadesus International Piano Competition, which is based in Cleveland, Ohio.

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.