ARTHUR "MR. POPS" FIEDLER - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED CIRCA 1977 CO-SIGNED BY: W. FREDERICK MOYER, MYRON ROMANUL, COMMANDER NED MUFFLEY, JOHN WILLIAM MIDDENDORF II - HFSID 298138

BOSTON POPS and the US NAVY
Remarkable collection of signatures, probably gathered at the Boston Pops' annual Navy Night. Includes beloved Pops director Arthur Fiedler and his young piano prodigies Frederick Moyer and Myron Romanul, as well as US Navy band director CDR Ned Muffley and Secretary of the Navy John William Middendorf II.
Autograph Sentiment signed: "Cordially/Arthur Fiedler", "W. Frederick Moyer", "with warm wishes/Myron Romanul" and on verso "With Warmest/Regards/CDR Ned Muffley/15 June 1977", "With best regards/to Paul Grant/JW Middendorf II/15 June 1977" and 2 unidentified signatures, 5½x8½ page (front and verso).ARTHUR FIEDLER (1894-1979) was a Boston institution and one of its most beloved natives. After a period of music study in Europe, Fiedler became a violinist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (1915), as his father had been. Desiring to conduct, however, Fiedler formed his own orchestra of B.S.O. musicians and began the enduring tradition of Esplanade Concerts, which continue to this day. In 1930, Fielder was named conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra. His blend of popular and classical music made him the most popular conductor of his day, one who sold over 50 million record albums in his lifetime. Piano virtuoso W. FREDERICK MOYER (b. 1957) began performing with the Boston Pops as a teen-ager, and has since soloed with symphony orchestras worldwide. His 22 classical recordings to date include works written expressly for him by leading composers. MYRON ROMANUL (b. 1954), another piano prodigy, made his BSO debut at age 11, and also soloed with the Pops while still in his teens. While performing with major world symphonies, he also toured with Arthur Fiedler, aiding the maestro in programming. He followed in Fiedler's footsteps, becoming a conductor, and has wielded the baton for the National Theater of Munich since 1987. Commander NED MUFFLEY was leader of the US Navy Band (1973-1978). His sharp memory permitted him to conduct the band without a score. Muffley actively recruited female band members, and sponsored outreach events like the International Saxophone Symposium, begun by him in 1977. Muffley, who no doubt had met Arthur Fiedler after becoming director of the Boston Navy Band in 1965, was guest conductor of the Boston Pops on its annual Navy Night for six straight years. Muffley is now general manager of the Educational Funding Corporation. JOHN WILLIAM MIDDENDORF II (b. 1924) was Treasurer of Barry Goldwater's Presidential campaign (1964) and of the Republican National Committee (1965-1969). After diplomatic postings in the Nixon administration, the naval veteran of World War II served President Ford as Secretary of the Navy (1974-1977). Now a board member of the Heritage Foundation, Middendorf published his memoir, Potomac Fever, in 2011. Middendorf is also a composer, having written over 100 marches, as well as the Holland Symphony, a gift to Queen Juliana to celebrate her 25th year on the Dutch throne. Toned at edges. Lightly soiled. Irregularly cut at left edge. Otherwise, fine condition.