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English music historian, composer, and musician (1726–1814) best known for his pioneering histories of music and his travels throughout Europe documenting contemporary musical life. A friend and supporter of Joseph Haydn and other leading composers, he was also the father of celebrated novelist and diarist Frances Burney. ALS signed “Cha's Burney,” one page, 7.25 x 9, August 19, no year. Handwritten letter to composer Samuel Wesley, in full: “Saturday was your own nominal Day – you said nothing of any particular Hour being engaged; but left my convenience to fix it. You take it for granted, I fear, that I am younger and more hale than is the case. If cold weather sh’d happen to come in after this violent heat, I cannot go into the P. F. room – you are almost the only scientific musician I now wish to converse with and to hear. Saloman’s talk, indeed, and Violin I can still enjoy, tête à tête – and true high bred Italian singing, such, for example, as the cantar of Tramezzani and the Catelani, these w’d be quiet and soothing gratifications; but for your common tickle-key work my ear has long lost all curiosity. I am unable at present to name any future day for our meeting; that must depend on circumstances.” In fine condition, with very faint staining, and a short partial separation to the right edge.
This letter belongs to a documented correspondence between Burney and Samuel Wesley, the composer and organist, extending from late 1799 until shortly before Burney’s death in 1814. Their friendship centered in part on Wesley’s championing of J. S. Bach, whose music Burney increasingly embraced in his final years under Wesley’s influence. Burney’s comments on his age and declining health suggest a letter from the later years of their correspondence.
Although undated by year, the musicians Burney mentions help narrow the period. Johann Peter Salomon remained active in London until his death in 1815, while tenor Domenico Tramezzani and celebrated soprano Angelica Catalani both appeared at the King’s Theatre beginning in 1806. Their overlapping London careers suggest a date between about 1806 and 1813, though the precise year remains uncertain.
