Between the Covers

Softcover. Later printing. Quarto. Single bifolium making four pages. Edgewear including small chips and tears, separating a bit along the top of the fold, with toning and offsetting to the exterior, a good only copy. For voice (mezzo-soprano or baritone) and piano. Plate imprint, "A.P.S. 9364-3." Inscribed by the composer above the music, "This is my oldest song - Esther dear (?) - Written when I was around sixteen - Did you ever sing it? Love Gena." Branscombe was a Canadian born composer and pianist who graduated from the Chicago Musical College; she went on to have a successful career in music both as a teacher and a composer, and was involved in several women's organizations including the Society of American Women Composers and the National League of American Pen Women. In her doctoral dissertation on Branscombe, Laurine Elkins-Marlow describes Branscombe's legacy as such, "Her life is an inspiring record of a woman of great ability who carved ... a viable musical career … when American composers were just coming into their own in this country." A unique piece.

Item #608328