Thalberg, Sigismund. (1812-1871). Autograph Letter. Autographed letter signed ("S. Thalberg"), two 1/2 pages, on a bifolium [8 1/4 x 10 1/2 inches], Troyes, May 29, 1845, in French. The Swiss composer and famed pianist writes to an unknown recipient regarding an upcoming concert at Colmar on June 8 and Mulhouse on June 9th, for which he provides a program for the solo pieces, including the Grand Caprice on themes from Bellini's La Sonnambula, Fantasie on themes from Rossini's Moisé, and the Grande Fantasie from Muette de Portici, by Auber. He also requests to have his piano sent for these performances. Translated in full:
"Sir, I have just received your letter and I express myself to thank you a thousand times for your obliging intentions to my regard. I am playing at Colmar on June 8 and will be immediately disposed to give a concert the 9th in Mulhouse, if, as you have said it to me, you are good enough to arrange all of that. I am completely in your hands for the prices (or fees) as well as the concert arrangements. For my part, I will play three times without the orchestra. Here are the pieces:
1. Grand Caprice (cappricio) on the themes of La Sonnambula of Bellini, composed and executed by Thalberg
2. Fantasie on the Prayer of Moses [from the opera 'Mose in Eggito' by Rossini]
3. Grand Fantasie on the themes of La Muette de Portici [Daniel Auber opera]
If it's possible I will send my Piano from Colmar--As I remain in Nancy until the 6th, I will pray to write to me there to let me know what you have decided.
Awaiting the pleasure of seeing you again, receive from me once again, my dear Sir, the expression of all my gratitude as well as my most distinguished sentiments,
S. Thalberg
Troyes, 29 May 1845"
Perhaps the greatest rival of Franz Listz, Thalberg was a virtuoso whose talents led him on tours through Europe and the U.S. His Fantasie op.33 on melodies from Rossini's Moise is considered among the most celebrated concerted pieces of the 19th century.
"Together with Liszt, Thalberg must be ranked as the greatest virtuoso pianist of the mid-19th century..." (Grove Online)
"Sir, I have just received your letter and I express myself to thank you a thousand times for your obliging intentions to my regard. I am playing at Colmar on June 8 and will be immediately disposed to give a concert the 9th in Mulhouse, if, as you have said it to me, you are good enough to arrange all of that. I am completely in your hands for the prices (or fees) as well as the concert arrangements. For my part, I will play three times without the orchestra. Here are the pieces:
1. Grand Caprice (cappricio) on the themes of La Sonnambula of Bellini, composed and executed by Thalberg
2. Fantasie on the Prayer of Moses [from the opera 'Mose in Eggito' by Rossini]
3. Grand Fantasie on the themes of La Muette de Portici [Daniel Auber opera]
If it's possible I will send my Piano from Colmar--As I remain in Nancy until the 6th, I will pray to write to me there to let me know what you have decided.
Awaiting the pleasure of seeing you again, receive from me once again, my dear Sir, the expression of all my gratitude as well as my most distinguished sentiments,
S. Thalberg
Troyes, 29 May 1845"
Perhaps the greatest rival of Franz Listz, Thalberg was a virtuoso whose talents led him on tours through Europe and the U.S. His Fantasie op.33 on melodies from Rossini's Moise is considered among the most celebrated concerted pieces of the 19th century.
"Together with Liszt, Thalberg must be ranked as the greatest virtuoso pianist of the mid-19th century..." (Grove Online)
Thalberg, Sigismund. (1812-1871). Autograph Letter. Autographed letter signed ("S. Thalberg"), two 1/2 pages, on a bifolium [8 1/4 x 10 1/2 inches], Troyes, May 29, 1845, in French. The Swiss composer and famed pianist writes to an unknown recipient regarding an upcoming concert at Colmar on June 8 and Mulhouse on June 9th, for which he provides a program for the solo pieces, including the Grand Caprice on themes from Bellini's La Sonnambula, Fantasie on themes from Rossini's Moisé, and the Grande Fantasie from Muette de Portici, by Auber. He also requests to have his piano sent for these performances. Translated in full:
"Sir, I have just received your letter and I express myself to thank you a thousand times for your obliging intentions to my regard. I am playing at Colmar on June 8 and will be immediately disposed to give a concert the 9th in Mulhouse, if, as you have said it to me, you are good enough to arrange all of that. I am completely in your hands for the prices (or fees) as well as the concert arrangements. For my part, I will play three times without the orchestra. Here are the pieces:
1. Grand Caprice (cappricio) on the themes of La Sonnambula of Bellini, composed and executed by Thalberg
2. Fantasie on the Prayer of Moses [from the opera 'Mose in Eggito' by Rossini]
3. Grand Fantasie on the themes of La Muette de Portici [Daniel Auber opera]
If it's possible I will send my Piano from Colmar--As I remain in Nancy until the 6th, I will pray to write to me there to let me know what you have decided.
Awaiting the pleasure of seeing you again, receive from me once again, my dear Sir, the expression of all my gratitude as well as my most distinguished sentiments,
S. Thalberg
Troyes, 29 May 1845"
Perhaps the greatest rival of Franz Listz, Thalberg was a virtuoso whose talents led him on tours through Europe and the U.S. His Fantasie op.33 on melodies from Rossini's Moise is considered among the most celebrated concerted pieces of the 19th century.
"Together with Liszt, Thalberg must be ranked as the greatest virtuoso pianist of the mid-19th century..." (Grove Online)
"Sir, I have just received your letter and I express myself to thank you a thousand times for your obliging intentions to my regard. I am playing at Colmar on June 8 and will be immediately disposed to give a concert the 9th in Mulhouse, if, as you have said it to me, you are good enough to arrange all of that. I am completely in your hands for the prices (or fees) as well as the concert arrangements. For my part, I will play three times without the orchestra. Here are the pieces:
1. Grand Caprice (cappricio) on the themes of La Sonnambula of Bellini, composed and executed by Thalberg
2. Fantasie on the Prayer of Moses [from the opera 'Mose in Eggito' by Rossini]
3. Grand Fantasie on the themes of La Muette de Portici [Daniel Auber opera]
If it's possible I will send my Piano from Colmar--As I remain in Nancy until the 6th, I will pray to write to me there to let me know what you have decided.
Awaiting the pleasure of seeing you again, receive from me once again, my dear Sir, the expression of all my gratitude as well as my most distinguished sentiments,
S. Thalberg
Troyes, 29 May 1845"
Perhaps the greatest rival of Franz Listz, Thalberg was a virtuoso whose talents led him on tours through Europe and the U.S. His Fantasie op.33 on melodies from Rossini's Moise is considered among the most celebrated concerted pieces of the 19th century.
"Together with Liszt, Thalberg must be ranked as the greatest virtuoso pianist of the mid-19th century..." (Grove Online)