Venetian composer and conductor (1750–1825) who, as the Austrian imperial Kapellmeister from 1788 to 1824, was one of the most important and famous musicians of his time. Exceptional ALS in Italian, signed “Salieri,” one page both sides, 7.5 x 9, no date. Letter addressed to “Most esteemed Baron,” in full (translated): "I am extremely happy to hear about the success of your first opera. Prince Esterhazy’s Mr. Smith had already spoken to me about it, and I offer you my infinite congratulations for it, as well as for the honor received as a consequence of royal approval. Take courage now for a second effort, and I have no doubt that everything will go very well. I am taking advantage of a particular opportunity I have to write to Berlin in order to send you the operetta L’intrigo della lettera [The Intrigue of the Letter]. I am sending you the copy that I have with me, but that belongs, as you know, to the management of the Vienna Imperial Theaters, because I cannot find Mr. de Antoni, whom they assure me has left for Italy. He himself told me not long ago that he would soon be travelling to that region, so it is probable that he has left for there. Since I do not know when he will return to Vienna, however, in order to be safe in relation to any inquiry by the management about this libretto, I will quickly have a copy made of the score that it has, and that way everything will be in order. I will act in accordance with your charitable intentions with regard to what will be left over from the money sent me. Here in Vienna, what has been on stage for some days is Fernando Cortez by our celebrated Spontini. Strictly speaking, it cannot be said that it has received the same applause as his Vestale [Vestal Virgin], but this opera, his second, is also drawing many people to the theater, because it is full of very beautiful things, both in the music and in the subject and the staging. Amuse yourself now, during the intervals that your honorable post at Court will allow you, composing operas, and I will do the same, writing ‘Kyrie eleisons,’ and that way everyone will be occupied in the style to which he [word(s) below obliterated, leaving a thin hole in the sheet] is called by his genius, his position, and his age.” In very good condition, with slight trimming along the hinge, small areas of paper loss from ink erosion, and writing showing through from opposing sides. From the famous collection of Karl Geigy-Hagenbach. A simply exceptional overall letter from this paramount figure of classical music. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$300.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
