Ottorino Respighi's handwritten letter to Steinway & Sons (1926)
Ottorino Respighi's handwritten letter to Steinway & Sons (1926)
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A great Italian composer Ottorino Respighi sends intense praise to the famous Steinway & Sons piano factory in New York.
- Letter of praise, written by the Italian composer Ottorino Respighi (1879 - 1936), to the Steinway & Sons piano factory in New York.
- In Italian, with typed translation into English.
- Three pages + The translation.
- 30.5 cm x 20.3 cm.
- 06/01/1926.
- Quality paper, exceptional calligraphy, excellent condition of conservation.
- Unique piece.
The Steinway piano is not an instrument: it is a whole world of tones; it is magically obedient to the smallest nuances of human feeling.
What is generally expected of a piano is that it translates all our emotions into so many sounds; but the Steinway does more than that: it removes all barriers that may exist between musical emotion and its expression through harmonies.
The inner feeling and its expression through sound are no longer just parallel, but become a musical soul palpitating in countless notes.
Ottorino Respighi
For the company Steinway & Sons
- Postcard showing a Steinway & Sons store in Los Angeles, California.
- In English.
- 8.5 cm x 13.5 cm.
- 06/17/1908.
- Excellent condition.
- Advertisement from the New York newspaper The Independent for Steinway & Sons pianos.
- In English.
- 20.4 cm x 29.4 cm.
- 03/27/1920.
- Excellent condition.
If the question is which are the best pianos in the world, a professional musician's answer would probably be Steinway & Sons, a symbol of prestige and perfection. Steinway & Sons has always used the best materials transformed and assembled by the most skilled carpenters.
The reputation of Steinway & Sons pianos was already well established in the German community when its founder, Henry Engelhard Steinway (1797 - 1871), arrived in Manhattan with his sons in 1853, fleeing Germany where he had already produced 482 quality pianos. The new business expanded rapidly and further strengthened the brand's reputation.
The history of Steinway & Sons is a true American success story, every entrepreneur's dream: a luxurious product, produced on a small scale by expert and proud employees, pianist customers recognizing its quality all over the world for over 150 years, a family business that started from nothing and expanded from old Europe to the United States... In short, a very interesting story.
This letter, which Ottorino Respighi wrote to the owners of Steinway & Sons, reads like a poem, a declaration of love to a woman. It is rare to read such praise about a brand, especially from a customer.

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All items sold by Glórias have a permanent guarantee against eventual certification errors, provided that such error is subsequently demonstrated and confirmed by Mathias Meyer. In this event, the buyer will be fully reimbursed. To date, this situation has never occurred. The guarantee does not cover natural alterations or damage caused by improper storage, exposure to light, humidity, insects, or any other external factor that may compromise the preservation of the paper or ink.
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Yes. Should you wish to sell your piece in the future, please contact us. We will be happy to guide you and help you find a new collector, either through a direct sale or through a specialized auction organized by Glórias.
How can I add value to my collection?
If your goal is to go beyond an isolated purchase, the ideal is to build a coherent collection around a theme, a personality, or a historical period, such as aviation pioneers, women who made history, love letters, old photographs of Rio de Janeiro, Oscar Niemeyer, Pelé, or Ayrton Senna. Mathias Meyer can guide you in forming a consistent collection, according to your interests, objectives, and budget.
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To preserve your document in the best condition, we recommend against laminating it or keeping it permanently framed, as paper needs to breathe and prolonged exposure to light can accelerate its deterioration. Ideally, store it in a dry, dark, and clean place, protected from humidity, extreme temperatures, dust, and insects, ensuring its preservation for many decades.
Why aren't these pieces in museums?
Throughout history, much of the world's documentary heritage has been preserved thanks to private collectors and dealers. These enthusiasts of historical documents play a fundamental role in the discovery, study, and preservation of pieces that can later be loaned, donated, or sold to museums and other institutions. In Brazil, where many museums have limited financial resources and staff, this collaboration is even more important. Glórias maintains relationships with public institutions, museums, and researchers, both in Brazil and abroad, sharing discoveries, knowledge, and, in some cases, documents for exhibitions.
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Where do the parts sold by Glórias come from?
Every document has a unique story. Most of the pieces offered by Glórias were inherited from families who contacted us, while others were acquired at auctions, where they were poorly identified or undervalued, or came from antique dealers, collectors, or companies. Behind every rare document there is a singular trajectory, which makes collecting a fascinating way to preserve and transmit history.
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