Sold For $6,816
*Includes Buyers Premium
ALS in French, signed “P. Tschaikovsky,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7.25, January 26, [1888]. Handwritten letter to the conductor Édouard Colonne, concerning his rigorous travel schedule for an upcoming conducting tour of Europe. On two dates in March, Tchaikovsky would conduct concerts of his own works with Colonne's orchestra at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France.
In part (translated): "Your letter arrived in Hamburg a few hours after my departure for Berlin…Finally, last night I received it and immediately sent a telegram. On the 22nd, or at the latest the morning of the 23rd, I will be in Paris. If you have anything to tell me before then regarding the program, please take the following dates into consideration. I am staying in Leipzig until February 2nd; I am staying in Berlin from the 2nd to the 9th of February; I will spend the 10th and 11th in Leipzig; from the 12th to the 20th of February I am in Prague. For Leipzig, my address is Hotel Hauffe; for Berlin, Hotel St. Petersburg; for Prague: Mr. Velebin Urbanek, to be delivered to P.T. I am giving you all this information to avoid any delays in replying should you find it necessary to write to me. Regarding the choice of dates and the program, I will submit in advance to whatever you decide. I look forward to being in Paris in a month and having the pleasure of seeing you." In fine condition.
This letter dates from a pivotal moment in Tchaikovsky’s career, as 1888 marked his first major conducting tour of Western Europe—a turning point in his emergence as an international musical figure. Invited by Édouard Colonne, one of France’s leading champions of contemporary composers, Tchaikovsky traveled extensively that winter to promote and personally conduct his works at prominent cultural centers. His Paris concerts at the Théâtre du Châtelet helped solidify his reputation abroad, introducing French audiences to works such as the 'Serenade for String Orchestra' and 'Francesca da Rimini' under his own baton. This correspondence, rich with logistical detail, vividly reflects the composer’s hectic schedule and growing stature within the European musical world.
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.
Third-party authentication service applies only to signatures and handwriting, and does not cover the addition of sketches, artwork, musical quotations, etc.
