Gardel, Pierre. (1758 - 1840)
Autograph Letter Signed
ALS by the French ballet dancer, ballet master, violinist, and composer to the writer Charles de Pougens [not named in the letter] (1755-1833), March 22, 1819. In French. 1 p. Single leaf: "I have read the charming work that you deigned to entrust me with with the greatest attention and the most lively pleasure. The idea is a lucky one, the [reader's] interest is increasing ... Receive, Sir, the expression of my acknowledgement of having assigned to me, so to speak, the first read-through of this delicious work, and would you please indicate a day and hour when I could talk to you about it in private." 9 x 7.25 inches.With two ALS by Marie Gardel (1770-1833), Pierre Gardel's wife, to the same recipient. In French. Paris, March 22, 1831, and March 1833. 2 pp. each. Bifolia, with address to fourth page. The former mentions the writer and literary scholar Théodore Lorin (1775-1857): "I know that Mr. Théodore Lorin has and deserves all of your trust..."; the second discusses medical issues. 10.5 x 8 inches (26.3 x 20 cm) and 9 x 6.75 inches (23 x 17 cm).
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. (9180)
Autograph Letter Dance