Wieniawski, Henri. (1835–1880)
Autograph Letter Asking For Money
Autograph letter in French from the great Polish violinist and composer, asking his friend, Belgian politician Emile Dupont, to send money to pay his debts. Wieniawksi writes from Spa, Belgium ca. 1875-8, having taken over the violin professorship at the Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles in 1875, only for his health to decline shortly thereafter. Apparently, his publisher, Schott of Mainz, had been slow with his payment for the 1875 first edition of his Deuxième Polonaise Brillante, as his rather desperate letter suggests. Wieniawski died in 1880 after being unable to complete his 1879 tour of Russia.Some creasing, discoloration and spotting; otherwise in fine condition. On a sheet folded to 13.8 x 21.2 cm.
Translated, in full:
My dear Dupont,
Despite all the business I have undertaken to obtain the sum in question, it was impossible to succeed. -- Schott, as I have told you before, is nothing but a dirty pig. -- Try, I beseech you, to help me in this critical moment, and understand that every day increases the costs in Spa. -- I must at all costs get 250 francs today, for with what I have, that will constitute the necessary sum. -- Help me, I beg you, and I swear on my honor that next Tuesday, or Wednesday at the latest, the sum in question will be returned to you.
Your dear friend,
H. Wieniawski
Thursday morning (12889)
Autograph Letter Classical Music