Gardel, Pierre. (1758–1840)

"Dear friend, here is my ballet..." - Autograph Letter

Autograph letter from the French ballet dancer, ballet master, violinist, and composer, delivering a new ballet. 1 p., n.d. Translated from the French: "Dear friend, here is my ballet [...] I think nothing has changed as far as the action goes. I think that you will be satisfied with it. I venture to flatter myself that you will handle the style, which is no small matter, but your friendship for me will make this work easy. How happy I will be when the occasion presents itself for me to thank you [...] Until then, be assured that if you hold me in good regard, I will never be ungrateful, and that your friendship is of great value to me. Goodbye, I embrace you and am your true friend, Gardel." Toning, one folding crease with a slight tear and tape repair to the verso; overall fine. 6 x 8 inches (15.6 x 19.9 cm). Rare.

Gardel directed the Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris for 40 years, adapting to the turmoil of the French Revolution and the reign of Napoleon. His first three ballets, Le Judgement de Pâris (1787), Psyché (1790), and Télémanque (1790) drew upon classic myths and were considered compatible with the old regime. As the French Revolution caused a political upheaval, Gardel created patriotic dances which combined political content with neoclassical ideas. Gardel argued that strong technical dancing was as important to ballet as story and theatrics. He kept mime to a minimum and cast those with natural dramatic ability, offering dancers what he saw as challenging and dramatic work. (16472)

Autograph Letter Dance