Suzanne Rozsa-Martin Lovett

Included in our 6 April Oxford Art & Music Sale is an intriguing collection of music themed letters, signed photos, printed material and works of art from the estates of Suzanne Rozsa and Martin Lovett (lots 160-196).

Suzanne Rozsa (1923-2005) was born in Budapest but became one of the most skilled and admired violinists in British chamber-music ensembles. Her husband, Martin Lovett (1927-2020), was a renowned British cellist who, at just 19 years old, became one of the founding members of the Amadeus Quartet. They performed for 40 years until the death of violist Peter Schidlof in 1987, when the quartet was disbanded.

One item sure to pique the interest of classical music enthusiasts is an album which includes a signed letter and a signed three bar musical quotation from the Hungarian violinist, conductor and composer Joseph Joachim, as well as approximately 170 musician themed postcards. Lot 178 in the sale, this is estimated at £500-£800.

Lot 171 (estimated at £50-100), is a set of three cards sent to Rozsa, one from the English composer, conductor and pianist Benjamin Britten, headed with his address, and two postcards from the English composer, Sir Michael Tippett.

Also included in the collection is a 20th Century English School bronze sculpture entitled ‘The Cellist’ (lot 187). Standing at 27cm high it has an estimate of £100-£200.