189 - GOLSCHMANN (Vladimir) (1893–1972). French conductor of Russian origin. Music director of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra from 1931 to 1958.

GOLSCHMANN (Vladimir) (1893–1972). French conductor of Russian origin. Music director of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra from 1931 to 1958. Typed letter signed “V. Golschmann” to Victor Labunski. St. Louis (Missouri), November 30, 1943. 1 page, quarto size, on illustrated letterhead of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. Text in English, with a handwritten correction. An interesting letter in which Golschmann discusses the professional constraints imposed on conductors and confirms his intention to perform Victor Labunski’s symphony. After expressing a desire to invite Labunski to conduct certain movements of his own work, Golschmann explains that his commitments in Montreal and Boston make this project impossible. He also laments the restrictions imposed by the orchestra’s board of directors, which believes that having too many guest conductors would give the public a poor impression of its activities. Despite these difficulties, Golschmann confirms that he will personally conduct the Andante and Scherzo movements of the symphony on January 8 and 9. He asks the composer to send him the orchestral parts and offers to pay $50 to rent them. He also wishes to meet with Labunski during the dress rehearsal on January 6. This document offers insight into the inner workings of major American symphony orchestras, their administrative concerns, and the place reserved for contemporary composers in their programming. Signs of age.