Autograph Letter Signed

ALS of the singer and composer to an unidentified female. Dated "Monday night." 1 p. Bifolium with embossed initials "PV." "Dear Madam, you already know, I presume, that long ago I have given up singing at special soirées, except in the homes of a few friends. Be very kind when presenting my regrets to Madame la Duchesse de Maillé by thanking her for thinking of me." In very fine condition. 6.5 x 4 inches (16.5 x 10.5 cm).

Pauline Viardot, one of the most important singers of the 19th century, impressed musicians and persons of letters all over Europe. She was the dedicatee of Brahms’ Alto Rhapsody. Saint-Saëns wrote that it was her voice he had in mind when composing the role of Dalila. Viardot created the role of Fidès in Meyerbeer's Le Prophète, Orphee in the Berlioz version of Gluck's Orphée et Euridice, Gounod's Sapho, and Massenet's Marie Magdalene among others. In recent years, her output as a composer has aroused increasing interest. Her stage career ended in 1863, her last public performance took place in 1873, and in the 1880s she also stopped singing in private surroundings. It may be assumed that she wrote this letter relatively late in her life. (3954)

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Autograph Letter

Opera

France

$375.00

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