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The Scarce Signature of Composer Leon Jessel
JESSEL, Leon (1871-1942) Jewish Composer who composed the famous opera "Schwarzwaldmädel (Black Forest Girl), one of Hitler’s favorites. He also wrote the world favorite March of the Wooden Soldiers as well as 27 further published songs, waltzes , marches and many unpublished operas. March of the Wooden Soldiers was made into a film made famous by Laurel and Hardy. Still beloved today, the song is a Christmas favorite at New York‘s Radio City Music Hall performed by the Rockettes. Jessel’s performances were banned due to his past Jewish ancestry. Leon Jessel was arrested by the Gestapo, A written anti Nazi letter was found in his apartment during a house search. Jessel was severely beaten and tortured by the Gestapo in the cell of the Police office in Berlin. He died in the Jewish hospital in Berlin on 4. January 1942. This sheet of German music is from Jessel’s personal collection. It was personally signed in ink by Leon Jessel. On this page is his personal stamp " Leon Jessel Berlin.” Measurement is 7”x10.” In very fine condition. The signature of Leon Jessell is considered quite uncommon. The daughter of Leon Jessel was Eva Maria Jessel. She married the well known German book author Kurt Walter Röcken. This document comes from the estate of Eva Maria and Walter Röcken...........................$250.00
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