Description:

Ira Gershwin
n.p., January 8, 1977
Lovely Ira Gershwin 2x Signed AQMS "By Strauss" Lyrics Excerpt, Discarded From 1951 "American in Paris" Adaptation
AMQS
A one-stanza excerpt from the George & Ira Gershwin melody "By Strauss," twice signed, inscribed, and dated by lyricist Ira Gershwin (1896-1983). January 8, 1977. N.p. On a 1p leaf of watermarked typing paper. Expected wear including gently flattened folds and an isolated discolored spot along the bottom edge. With three small areas - above the top line and in between the sixth and seventh lines - contemporaneously retouched with correction fluid. Else near fine. 8.5" x 11." Ex-R.M. Smythe & Co. Ex-Collection of Steve Forbes.

Ira Gershwin wrote in full:

"'Beware of that popular music!
In dynamite danger must lurk -
You hear in an awed way
The music of Broadway
And suddenly you go berserk.'

(Excerpt from 'By Strauss' by)
(George + Ira Gershwin.)

Ira Gershwin
Jan. 8, 1977."

Ira Gershwin and younger brother George Gershwin (1898-1937) co-wrote the song "By Strauss" in the mid-1930s, with George contributing the music, and Ira penning the lyrics. The underlying theme of "By Strauss" is wonderfully self-deprecating, as it decries the triviality and tedium of popular music compared to the immortal strains of Romantic waltz composers Johann Strauss, Sr. and Johann Strauss, Jr. "By Strauss" was originally performed by musical actress Gracie Barrie in the 1936-1937 Broadway revue, "The Show Is On," directed by Vincente Minnelli.

Later, Minnelli wanted "By Strauss" for inclusion in his 1951 musical motion picture "American In Paris." As Ira Gershwin explained in his memoir, "Lyrics On Several Occasions, A Selection of State & Screen Lyrics Written for Sundry Situations…" (New York: Limelight Editions, 1997), he rewrote the lyrics to the first stanza of "By Strauss" to avoid legal complications with the estates of Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, and Irving Berlin, all composers mentioned by name in the original. Ira Gershwin actually wrote two alternative first stanzas for the "American In Paris" version of "By Strauss"; this one, beginning with "Beware of that popular music!" was the one discarded on the cutting room floor.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Provenance: R.M. Smythe & Co. (New York, New York).
    Ex-Collection of Steve Forbes.
  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: AMQS

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