Sarasate, Pablo de. (1844–1908)
Autograph Letter to Fritz Simrock
Autograph letter signed from the important Spanish violinist-composer, apparently to his publisher and friend Fritz Simrock whom he addresses "Dearest Tiger," exchanging personal news and mentioning some of his best-known works. London, June 9, 1896. After thanking Simrock for his news of an ill friend who has recovered and lamenting over his distance from his good friends, Sarasate reports: "My concerts have started very brilliantly in London, and it is decided that I will go on a big tour of England in the autumn, in the company of Dr. Otto Neitzel." He continues to suggest the title of "Danse Espagnole" for his piece "Viva Sevilla," and reports that a military band in Spain has had success with an arrangement of "La Jota de San Fermin": "Could we publish it with the parts? Would you authorize the publication (of course, at no cost to you) in Spain?" Full translation below. 4 pp. 8vo, single-sheet folded, on Bristol Hotel, Burlington Garden stationery. Folding creases and light wear; overall in fine condition. 4.5 x 7 inches (11.4 x 17.8 cm). Together with a previous owner's record of the item, handwritten in German.Translated from the French, in full: "Carissimo Tigre, I was very happy to receive your good news, and very sad to learn that my dear Roméo (my nephew by association, since he is the husband of my niece Juliette) was so gravely ill; it is sad to think that we exist so far away from each other, and most of the time we ignore the state of our best friends, and only learn afterwards that they have been suffering! Anyway, he has recovered and I am very glad. My concerts have started very brilliantly in London, and it is decided that I will go on a big tour of England in the autumn, in the company of Dr. Otto Neitzel—do you know him? He is an excellent artist, a charming boy, and also an extremely influential critic of the Cologne newspaper, but I like him nonetheless. I think that for "Viva Sevilla" we ought to put "Danse Espagnole" as the title. In Spain, the military band of the Infantry of Tarragona is playing the "Jota de San Fermin" with great success, notably at court. The director, Señor Martinez, has done an admirable instrumentation, and has given me a copy of the score. Could we publish it with the parts? Would you authorize the publication (of course, at no cost to you) in Spain? Let me know when you have the time. I have already played those three pieces, "Peteneras," "San Fermin," and "Viva Sevilla" with orchestra in Spain and in Paris with Colonne, and it worked very well, better than with the piano. For the rest, you can send the thousand francs here until the 20th, or to Paris until the 30th of this month, the date of my departure for the Patria until October. Love to you both, your old friend Pablo de Sarasate.
[P.S.] What a shame that I wasn't in Paris when your two children came! My new address in Paris: 5. Place Malesherbes. I have a nice room for you when you come." (14938)
Autograph Letter Classical Music