Haggin, B. H.

Music & Ballet 1973 – 1983 [ Signed - Association to the Publisher]

New York: Horizon Press, 1984. First Edition, First Printing. Hardcover with Dust Jacket.

A unique Association Copy of this collection of criticism, inscribed by B.H. Haggin to his longtime publisher, Ben Raeburn of Horizon Press. Sourced directly from the Raeburn estate, this volume captures the final decade of Haggin's influential career, covering the era of Balanchine, Levine, and the Met.

Key Features:
+++ The Inscription: Boldly inscribed on the front free endpaper: 'For Ben Raeburn — Bernard Haggin.'
+++ Provenance: From the estate of Ben Raeburn, the founder of Horizon Press. Raeburn was not only Haggin’s publisher but his champion, keeping his often contentious critical works in print when others might not have.
+++ Content: Chronicles the New York music and dance scene from 1973 to 1983. Includes sharp critiques of the Metropolitan Opera under James Levine, the pianism of Glenn Gould and Vladimir Ashkenazy, and arguably his most important subject: the ballets of George Balanchine.
+++ Format: Hardcover in original dust jacket.

Condition: Fine Book / Very Good Dust Jacket -- The book is unread, tight, and pristine. The dust jacket with the price of $18.95 shows minor wear, including chipping/loss at the head and foot of the spine and some age-toning to the spine panel, but remains intact and presents well in a Mylar sleeve; Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches; 280 pages.

B.H. Haggin was famous for his 'absolutist' taste—he loved what he loved (Toscanini, Balanchine) and loathed what he loathed with a passion that made him one of the most feared and respected critics of the 20th century. 

This specific book documents the twilight of the 'Balanchine Era' at the New York City Ballet, offering immediate, contemporary reactions to masterpieces that are now canon. Owning the publisher's own signed copy adds a layer of literary history to the volume.

Keywords: B.H. Haggin, George Balanchine, Music Criticism, NYCB, Ballet History, Arturo Toscanini, Horizon Press, Ben Raeburn, Association Copy, Opera History.

Item #21468
ISBN: 0818012269

Price: $45.00