Hildegard Behrens

Hildegard Behrens (February 9, 1937 – August 18, 2009), German soprano with a wide repertoire including Wagner, Weber, Mozart, Richard Strauss, and Alban Berg roles. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Behrens and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1983 / Hildegard Behrens singing 'Wesendonck Lieder' by R. Wagner / All-Wagner Program Observing The 100th Anniversary of the Composer's Death on February 13, 1883 / Avery Fisher Hall / February 10, 1983."

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.