Typed Letter Signed to Lauritz Melchior

A touching typed letter signed from the German soprano to Danish-American tenor Lauritz Melchior, after the death of Melchior's wife, Kleinchen. 24 February, 1963. 1 p. Writing after Kleinchen's funeral, Lehmann offers her heartfelt sympathy: "I would have liked to tell you so many things, but my words were drowned in tears [...] I feel for you so deeply and I wish I could give you some comfort. The only comfort seems to me, that you know she is with you." Holograph corrections in blue ink throughout, signed "Lotte" at the foot. Together with a typed translation with further historical notes; full translation below. In fine condition. 8.5 x 11 inches (21.7 x 28 cm).

Translated from the German:
"Dear Lauritz,
You possibly don't have both these pictures—I hope you will enjoy them. One was taken in Miami, the other on a steamer, probably the Europa or the Bremen.
I would have liked to tell you so many things, but my words were drowned in tears.
I always admired you. You showed the world a brave face, but everyone who knows you and who knew Kleinchen and your great, harmonious love, knows how it really looks inside your heart...
You must try to find consolation in the fact that you were happy for many years. Kleinchen let you down only once: when she died... And if it is true, that one lives on in KNOWLEDGE, then she will be frightened in the afterlife, about how your life will go on without her. And she will send you the necessary strength, of this I am sure. In everything that you do, you will feel her around you and you will always follow her advice, as you have always done.
Oh, my dear Lauritz, it is so hard to express what I would like to say. I feel for you so deeply and I wish I could give you some comfort. The only comfort seems to me, that you know she is with you.
I believe this with my whole heart.
Don't stay in the house too long. Go to New York, to other friends in another setting. It will do you good.
I thought the Consul General's eulogy was beautiful and so very fitting. And it touched me deeply, that you sang along with the hymns. It was as if you said goodbye to Kleinchen exactly as she would have wanted it: singing...
God bless you.
Your old friend, Lotte."

Danish-American singer Laurentz Melchior was the pre-eminent Wagnerian tenor of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, and has since come to be considered the quintessence of his voice type. His friendship with the superlative soprano Lotte Lehmann, particularly known as the creator of several Strauss roles, began when they sang together at the Metropolitan Opera in the 1930's. His wife, nicknamed Kleinchen ("little one") was "an accomplished sports parachutist" with whom he had a devoted marriage for many years. (16405)

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Autograph Letter

Opera

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