Autograph Letter - "I received a charming letter from Lind"

Autograph letter signed from the Irish composer, best-remembered for his opera The Bohemian Girl. Frankfurt am Main, October 9, 1849.  5 pp. To a close friend, Balfe reports on his visit to Germany, the upcoming production of The Bohemian Girl, friends abroad, including Jenny Lind, and his hopes for more publicity in London. Penned on one bifolium and a separate leaf, which are attached with archival tape. Folding creases and light toning; overall fine. 10.5 x 8 inches (26.8 x 20.5 cm) opened.

Text, in full: "Dear old cock, I should have written to you before this but had really nothing interesting to tell you. Now I can give you a little news but all about myself and family. Here goes - when I arrived here I called upon the manager who received me with open arms and at once betted with me for the performance of the Bohemian Girl (Ziguenerin) which comes out on the 17th next and I am to conduct three nights, after which I go on to Berlin. The singers, orchestra and chorus are first rate. Madame Hanschütz, Madame Brandt, Herren Crudinski, Clement, and Dettmerr are my principal singers and I assure you it is a treat to hear them. Faust was played the other night most exquisitely. I know all the principal people here, Lord Cowley is very kind, the Rothschilds, Lord and Lady Pollington, Mr & Mrs [...], the Macdonalds, the Parkinsons are here. So you see I am quite at home. I received a charming letter from Lind. She will be here the first night of the old Girl. I shall be so glad to see her. Write to me post restante and give me some news of London. I hear all sorts of things about the theater [...] nothing can, will, or shall surprise me. I hope you will not allow me to be forgotten by my friends in England now is the time for you to say something for me in the English papers, I will send you some papers after the first night. I now enclose a scrap which I read with pleasure. You will see I am not forgotten here. I wish you could come out to Berlin to pay me a visit. Can you? Will you? Addio write soon. Lucia and Victoria have been very ill but one now much better thank God. [...] is coming here and will perform at the theatre a few nights. I am sure she will do well. My wife and girls join me in kind remembrances to you and believe me your affectionate friend, M. W. Balfe." (15782)

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Autograph Letter

Classical Music

Opera

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