Garcia, Manuel. (1805–1906) [Klein, Herman. (1856–1934)] Group of Autograph Letters to Herman Klein

Garcia, Manuel. (1805–1906) [Klein, Herman. (1856–1934)]

Group of Autograph Letters to Herman Klein

A very interesting group of 12 autograph letters from the important Spanish singer and pedagogue to his friend and colleague Herman Klein, ca. 1890–1903. Most undated, in French and English, some addressed to Mr. Klein and some to "Mon cher ami." Each 1-2 pp., with light toning, some with light soiling and edge wear or losses; overall in very good to fine condition. An important collection from the later years of the great maestro of bel canto technique, who lived to be 101 and played an important role in an entire century of singing.

Four of the letters apparently deal with the editing and publication of García's book Hints on Singing (1894), which he published with Klein's editorial help. One (addressed to "Cher Monsieur," possibly not Klein) asks the correspondent to send on a package of printers' proofs from London to García's printer in Paris, since García is currently in Switzerland. One letter to Klein (beginning "Dans ma correction...") lists several errors which need to be corrected in proofs for the book; another (beginning "Puisque vous voulez venir en aide...") bids Klein: "Since you want to defend the artistic reputation of the 'maestro di bel canto,' be so good as to promote his scientific reputation as well by saying that he invented the laryngoscope and that the Laryngological Society of London has named him an honorary member. Aschberger [the publisher of Hints on Singing] wants me to do something to increase sales of Hints! What can I do? This little book has caused you more trouble than it's worth and I'm cross for you." A later letter (beginning "Cent fois merci pour l'article...") mentions "two or three errors" to be corrected "as soon as Mr. Aschberger is ready to make a new edition (if there will be one)."

One letter (beginning "In a concert given by Miss Leymann," García asks Klein to hear a concert of compositions by his niece, Louise Héritte-Viardot (daughter of his sister, Pauline Viardot): "You would do me a great kindness by hearing them, as I am sure a good word from you would assist her in taking the position that her musical talents deserve." In another letter (beginning "Toute la matinée..") García sends Klein a book written by his wife with the request to mention in the press.

The only dated letter (July 1901) congratulates Klein on his decision to move to New York to teach singing: "At a moment when the art of singing is in a condition of decadence, I am glad to be able to express my confidence in your ability to carry on those traditions which I imparted to you during a period of four years. It is gratifying to me to know that the great American people appreciate the sound theories of the old school and they will assuredly find in you one among its few capable exponents." Another letter, written after Klein's move (beginning "Merci pour l'article...") thanks him for an article and mentions: "After your return from American I would be delighted to learn of the success of your brother's piece." Klein's brother Manuel was a noted composer.

Two further letters (beginning "Je suis seul à Londres..." and "Je vous remercie pour les places") thank Klein for the pleasure of his company. The last letter (beginning "Je suis charmé...") written in decidedly shakier handwriting, congratulates Klein on taking "an important post in a musical institution [...] As for my health, it is less brilliant than I would like, but passable." Wishing Klein the best and sending wishes to his brother and to Mrs. Klein, García adds a postscript: "Can you read this scribble?" Klein has added a note on the verso of the letter: "Received this letter April 1906, in reply to one of congratulation on the master's 101st birthday."

Also included is a letter to a Mr. Herman (apparently not Klein), regarding the copyright to a poem (translated from the French): "I must let you know that the author of the verses that I gave you will not allow them to be published..." He signs "M.G."

The Spanish baritone and vocal pedagogue Manuel García (1805–1906), son of Manuel Garcia I and brother of Maria Malibran and Pauline Garcia Viardot, spent the earlier part of his career teaching voice in Paris and the latter half of his life in London, where he taught at the Royal Academy of Music. An important pioneer in understanding the physiological processes of singing, he invented the laryngoscope in 1854 (without apparently anticipating its value to medicine). His 1840 treatise L'Art du Chant remains an important source for vocal pedagogy. His students and disciples included Jenny Lind, Christina Nilsson, Henry Wood, Mathilde Marchesi, and many other opera and stage stars of the late-nineteenth century.

A particular friend and champion of García, Herman Klein (1856–1934) was a voice teacher at the Guildhall School of Music, where he taught using García's methods. He helped to edit García's concise vocal treatise Hints on Singing (1894), also issuing a revised version after García's death. From 1901 to 1909, he lived and taught in New York, before returning to London. Klein also had a career in music journalism, writing for the Sunday Times and the New York Herald; was a scholarly authority on Gilbert and Sullivan; and was one of the first critics to comment on gramophone recordings. (15560)

Autograph Letter Classical Music Opera