Theodor Uppman

Theodor Uppman (January 12, 1920 – March 17, 2005), American operatic baritone. He is best known for his creation of the title role in Benjamin Britten's opera Billy Budd. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Ushioda and additionally signed and dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1980 / Masuko Ushioda  playing Concerto No 3 in G major for Violin and Orchestra, K. 216 by Mozart."

Uppman sang 395 performances in fourteen roles during a 24-year career with the Metropolitan Opera, most frequently in Mozart operas: 98 performances as Masetto in Don Giovanni and 60 performances as Papageno in 'The Magic Flute.' He also appeared as Guglielmo in 24 performances of 'Così fan tutte.' While with the Met he virtually owned the role of Paquillo in Offenbach’s 'La Périchole,' singing in every one of its 54 performances, from its Metropolitan premiere on December 21, 1956, through the performance in Detroit on May 27, 1971. Another frequent role, Sharpless in Puccini’s 'Madama Butterfly,' he sang 37 times; Sharpless was the role of his farewell performance with the Met on April 8, 1978. In 1983 he sang the seven baritone roles in Britten's Death in Venice in Geneva.

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean.