Leon Temerson

Leon Temerson, violinist who played in the New York Philharmonic and the Chicago Symphony and who was concertmaster of the Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Temerson and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1983 / Leon Temerson playing Caprice en forme de valse C. Saint-Saense/Ysaye / L' Institut International d'Etudes Musicales."

Mr. Temerson's career flourished in the United States. In 1942, he became assistant concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony, and in 1945 he made his New York recital debut at Town Hall. He joined the New York Philharmonic in 1946, and was a founder of the Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble, which gave premieres of works by such composers as Stravinsky, Milhaud, Carter, Hindemith and Babbitt, often under the composers' direction, between 1950 and 1960.

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.