VAN BIENE (Auguste, 1850-1913, Dutch-born 'Cellist, Composer, and Musical Comedy Actor)

Fine postcard photo signed and dated showing him full length playing his cello in 'The Broken Melody', 5½" x 3½", no place, 19th January

In 1892 van Biene commissioned and composed incidental music for a three-act play called The Broken Melody by Herbert Keen and James T. Tanner. It was produced at the Prince of Wales's Theatre in July, with van Biene taking the lead role of a musician and playing his cello as part of the play. The show was a huge success, and the tune at the core of the work (also called The Broken Melody) was a particular hit.

Item Date:  1907

Stock No:  39946