Autograph Letter

Autograph letter from the important Polish bass, a major opera star of the late-nineteenth century and younger brother of the tenor Jean de Reszke, to the English musician and music critic Herman Klein. June 14, 1904. Translated from the French, in part: "I have just received your kind letter, and I hasten to respond on the subject of your project to establish a school of singing in New York. The idea is excellent. I would be very happy to collaborate with such a dear friend as you, whom I respect and consider the true 'gentleman' that you are. But before giving you a definite response, you will permit me to reflect a little..." 2 pp. on a lined bifolium; some light edge toning and wear, but overall in fine condition. 5.25 x 8.25 inches (13.3 x 20.8 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.

Herman Klein (1856–1934) was a voice teacher at the Guildhall School of Music and helped to edit Manuel 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.  (15622)

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Signature

Autograph Letter

Classical Music

Opera

• Sold