[ Francis Collinson, musicologist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Francis M. Collinson'), a letter of condolence to the widow of composer Herman Finck, conveying the 'tributes' to his memory made at a meeting of the Musical Conductors' Association.

2pp., 4to. In fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. Collinson is named as Honorary Secretary of the Association on the letterhead. He begins by explaining that he has waited until after the previous day's meeting of the Association to write to her, so that he can convey 'the tributes to your late husband's memory which I felt sure would be shown at this gathering of his friends and colleagues'. 'Mr Frederick Austin as chairman referred to the great loss which we all felt in the passing of Herman Finck, and spoke of his great qualities both as a friend and as a musician. At the conclusion of this, the members of the Association present stood for some moments in silent tribute to his memory.' He concludes by adding his own 'sense of personal loss'. It meant a great deal to him that Finck 'more than once went out of his way to speak words of encouragement' to Collinson in his 'very early days as a touring conductior'. The word 'Answered' is written at the head of the second page. See Collinson's entry in the Oxford DNB. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last pieces played by the orchestra on the Titanic.