Debussy Golliwog's Cakewalk, Minstrel's,Clair de Lune Godowsky

On June 4,1919 the Los Angeles Times announced that Leopold Godowsky " is making Los Angeles his permanent home." This "permanent" situation lasted at least until October 3 of 1921 when the Times headline read, "Godowsky Girl Marries Mayo" -- Composer's Daughter Eloped With Film Director-- Screen Man Won Divorce Last Week; Wife Fought Suit-- Pair Will Make Temporary Home With Musician." The "Godowsky Girl" was, of course, Mercedes "Dagmar" Godowsky who, while still living with her parents at 626 Alexandria Ave in Los Angeles, listed her occupation as "Movie Actress" in the 1920 Federal Census.
Godowsky was very fond of Dagmar and perhaps the move to Los Angeles was partially motivated by his daughter's ambition to be a actress. One can only imagine the distress that Godowsky suffered reading headlines such as those above. (Curiously, an April 28,1923 passenger list of the ship Siberia Maru from Yokohama, Japan to Honolulu lists his last residence at the Los Angeles address).
It was during this period that my second teacher, Richard L Wagner, (no relation to the Leipzig master) was admitted to master classes given by Godowsky.. Wagner would occasionally mention the famous pianist but all I remember after more than sixty years is his observation of the muscular appearance of Godowsky's hands, the pianist's devastating remarks regarding the performance of a section of the Liszt Sonata played by an unfortunate young lady, Godowsky remarking that a section of a Chopin composition reminded him pf a donkey braying (---hee-haw hee-haw---hee-haw-hee haw) and a beach party where Godowsky gathered up dishes, and barefooted, took them to the edge of the water and rinsed them off.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Debussy Golliwog's Cakewalk
• Minstrel's
• Clair de Lune Godowsky

[LetTheMusicFlow1]

Aww, the beginning is cut off! Fantastic upload anyway!