Esteemed Russian composer (1840-1893) whose colorful, dramatic, and expressive works represent the epitome of the Russian Romantic tradition and take a place among the most beloved staples of the concert repertory. ALS in pencil, in Russian, signed “P. Tchaikovsky,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 6.25, monogrammed personal letterhead, September 10/22, 1888. Handwritten letter announcing his completion of the orchestration of an overture-fantasia by music critic and composer Hermann Laroche. Though intended for the first Russian Musical Society concert in Moscow, conducted by Max Erdmannsdörfer, the work premiered under Tchaikovsky's direction at the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic on 5/17 November 1888, and met with little success.
In part (translated): "The overture is finished, and Ziloti will deliver it. Now: 1) Please ensure that it is copied exactly according to Erdmannsdörfer's instructions; 2) Write to Erdmannsdörfer that you and I both wish and request it to be performed at the first concert, because I will thoroughly prepare for it, the parts will be corrected, and this will greatly simplify performing the overture at my St. Petersburg concert. In my opinion, the piece has turned out splendidly, and provided the wind players’ lips and the string players’ fingers aren’t completely exhausted by the end, the effect will, in my view, be colossal.
Please don’t alter anything now, as this would be most inconvenient for me. If anything proves awkward, we’ll address it at rehearsals. I believe the orchestration is colorful and brilliant, though I only fear that between the return of the second theme and the conclusion, the technical difficulty might be excessive—but I couldn’t come up with anything else! Once again, if something seems unsatisfactory to you, I ask that you make no changes without consulting me! Please review it and pass it quickly to the copyists. A thousand regards to Katerina Ivanovna." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope, addressed in Tchaikovsky's hand.
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