ISAAC STERN (1920-2001) Archive of letters and notes written to friend and piano prodigy Laura Dubman.
Approximately 25 items comprising autograph and typed letters, notes, telegrams, and photographs, 1940s and later, often addressed to Laura as Laurik, variously signed in ink and pencil. The largest letters on stationery 11 x 8 inches (28 x 20 cm); the smallest a photograph of Stern at 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches (9 x 6 cm). Light handling wear but very well preserved overall; Together with a group of related items, including two photographs inscribed by Nathan Millstein and notes from Mrs. Millstein, a typed note from Rudolf Serkin, Carnegie Hall programs from 1959 (Leonard Bernstein conductor), a ticket to Arturo Toscanini's funeral, etc.

A revealing personal archive of letters and photographs between two talented young musicians: the venerable violinist Isaac Stern and piano prodigy Laura Dubman. The archive includes a fine portrait of Stern as a young boy holding a violin and four other photographs taken during his 20s in the 1940s through the 1950s. The earliest written item is a postcard written while travelling Texas in 1940. Longer letters commence from San Francisco in 1942 where in a four page autograph letter Stern reports "now that we are at war, it is hard to say anything about future plans ... but if you hear anything about San Francisco 'hysteria', 'danger zone', 'war fever' or any such bunk don't believe it... How this whole situation will affect music is still indeterminable." In 1943, Stern reports from Omaha: "I have thought of you very often and heard reports of you from your mother and both Mr. & Mrs. Rubinstein who I saw in New York." In 1944, back from the South Pacific, Stern is preparing for his "biggest season" and that "I have an enormous amount of work to do, both on the violin and learning new works." The letters continue in this fashion into the 1950s. An archive worthy of research and institutional consideration.

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