Paganini, Nicolò. (1782–1840)
Signed 1831 Letter declining an invitation due to the "delicate state of my health"
Signed letter from the the Italian violinist, violist, guitarist, and composer, the most celebrated violin virtuoso of his time and one the most colorful musical figures of the Romantic era. Written in French in a secretarial hand, the letter is signed and dated in Italian in the hand of Paganini: London, June 27, 1831. Translated from the French, in part: "I have just received your kind invitation... for a dinner next Thursday, and I infinitely regret that a prior engagement on the same day in Bath puts me in the sad necessity of not being able to accept it; I have to say, Monsieur, that the delicate state of my health, and my numerous musical engagements, do not permit me to accept such invitations, which however distinguished and flattering they may be, would be too great an obstacle to the strict regime which my doctors have enforced upon me..." 2 pp. Folding creases, light toning and slight mounting remnants on one edge of the verso, but overall very legible and in fine condition. 7.25 x 8.75 inches (18.5 x 22.5 cm).Together with a photographic reproduction of a portrait of Paganini, attributed to George Patten, ca. 1832, with a printed signature of Paganini below. Mounted on card with some foxing and ink spots on the mount; overall in very good condition. 6.5 x 9 inches (16.9 x 22.8 cm), mounted to 7.25 x 9.75 inches (18.7 x 24.6 cm).
The letter dates from Paganini's first appearance in England in June 1831, after his marathon tour of major European cities, which lasted from 1828 into early 1831. By the time he arrived in London, the English public was desperate to hear the great virtuoso, to pay exorbitant sums for private lessons, and to invite him to numerous social engagements. The virtuoso's health was already on the decline (he had been diagnosed with syphilis years earlier), and his demanding schedule taxed him further: he suffered at various points from colds, tuberculosis, depression and other problems until his death in 1840. (13666)
Autograph Letter Classical Music