du Pré, Jacqueline. (1945–1987) [Farrow, Mia. (b. 1945)]
Collection of Letters to Mia Farrow
Five very rare letters from the great cellist who died so tragically young, addressed to Mia Farrow, leading American actress, singer, fashion model and now UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. The typed and handwritten letters date from 1977 to 1978 and concern evenings spent together and Farrow's travels. All in very fine condition, 1-2 pp. each, the three longest letters all handwritten and signed "Jackie," with the two shorter ones both typed and with typed signatures. With their original transmissal envelopes (three of which signed "Jacqueline Barenboim" or "J. Barenboim," the largest of the letters measuring 8 x 6.25 inches. From the collection of Mia Farrow.From the letter dated January 10, 1977: "What a lovely evening we all spent together last night with such cherishable sentiments to be garnished to the heart. You made the world seem full of goodies from a new kind of Aladin's Cave with so much to be explored, delighted in and held closely with happiness. "
From the letter dated May 11, 1977: "For an evening of sheer novelty, joy and excitement, one which I shall never forget all my life, I thank you with all my heart. I cannot remember being so shaken and taken by anything for ages, and apart from these few words feel unable to find any others. Judi Dench and Ian Mkellum [sic] were perfectly charming, and Judi gave me the most heart-warming welcome into this new world for me: The play and the acting thrilled by so much - Lucky girl."
From the letter dated March 20, 1978: "I was really touched to receive the book you sent me - in fact I am so moved that this comes before I have even looked at it. Jane Eyre has been a new and real joy to readh - I love Bronte's choice of words and the way she sets a scene. It all feels a revelation."
Du Pre was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in October of 1973 after having performed her final concerts in February of that year. Her friendship with Mia Farrow, as these letters attest, involved Farrow introducing Du Pre to literature and theatre and was clearly a source of enormous happiness during this enormously difficult period in the great cellist's life.
Autograph letters of such content from Du Pre are virtually unobtainable. (4908)
TLS Classical Music