György Lehel

György Lehel (February 10, 1926 - September 26, 1989), Hungarian conductor. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Lehel, and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1973 / György Lehel conducting Budapest Symphony Orchestra in Sollosy's Musica per Orchestra."

Hungarian conductors dominated the international scene in the middle two decades of the twentieth century; one of the few significant conductors to remain behind in Hungary (along with Janos Ferencsik) was György Lehel. He eventually became known through limited tours in the late '60s and 1970s with the Budapest Symphony Orchestra, that city's radio orchestra, but most listeners are familiar with his work mainly through his many recordings for the Hungaroton label, including substantial contributions to the complete Bartók edition.

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.