Signed Note, Admitting Two to an 1831 London Concert

Note signed by the legendary violin virtuoso, written in another's hand and reading "King's Theatre, Admit Two Pit--- / Friday 15th July 1831." Paganini has signed boldly at the foot. The date appears to have been amended from 10th June. Some creasing and toning. 6.6 x 11cm . 

Together with a carte de visite photograph of an engraved portrait of the Italian musician and composer.

By the time Paganini arrived in London in 1831, the English public was desperate to hear the great virtuoso, and to pay exorbitant sums for private lessons.  At his first concert, he played his Concerto no. 1 in E flat and the Military Sonata for the Fourth String, impressing the audience greatly.  More than ten further concerts followed, as well as private appearances and a performance at court for George IV.

"His first appearance at the King's Theatre took place on 3 June 1831 and was an immediate success. The Times critic wrote: ‘He is not only the finest player that ever has existed on that instrument, but he forms a class by himself’. William Ayrton, editor of The Harmonicon, remarked that 'his powers of execution are little less than marvellous, and such as we could only have believed on the evidence of our own senses; they imply a strong natural propensity for music, with an industry, a perseverance, a devotedness and also a skill in inventing means, without any parallel in the history of his instrument.' " (Edward Neill, Grove Music Online.) (15456)

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Autograph Letter

Signature

Classical Music

• Sold