Autograph Letter

Autograph letter from the important Polish tenor, a major opera star of the late-nineteenth century, to the English musician and music critic Herman Klein. July 11, 1917. Writing shortly after the death of his brother, the bass Edouard de Reszke, Jean writes of his sadness and of his plans to publish his memoirs. Translated from the French, in part: "My dear friend, Thank you for correcting in the D. Telegraph the [news...] from the American press. Our dear Edouard is missed by all, and I have hundreds of letters and telegrams from the whole world, which I have to reply to and which prove how much he was appreciated; it is a consolation in my sadness. I have been tempted more than once to publish my artistic memoirs and I have started the work, which was interrupted by the war but which I hope to resume. I would have liked to undertake this with you, but I have a Polish writer [...] who I cannot dismiss." 2 pp. on a black-bordered card, together with the original envelope. Light edge wear to the envelope, but overall in very fine condition. 5.25 x 3.5 inches (13.5 x 8.8 cm).

Jean de Reszke, the oldest brother of his musical family, made his debut in 1874. Although initially performing as a baritone, he switched to singing tenor roles at age 29 and experienced his great successes as a tenor, particularly known for his roles in Wagner, Verdi, Gounod, and Massenet.  His younger brother Edouard de Reszke's vast bass repertory included major Wagner roles, Mephistopheles, Friar Laurence, Don Pedro (L'Africaine), Rocco and Leporello, which he sang at a special centenary performance of Don Giovanni at the Opera in 1887. The two brothers often performed together, notably in Massenet's Le Cid, which was written with two parts intended for them. Edouard later retired to Poland, where he was cut off from his brother by the fighting of World War I, and died there in May 1917. (15621)

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Signature

Autograph Letter

Classical Music

Opera

• Sold