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761 - RICHARD STRAUSS (1864–1949)
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Estimate €3,500 - €4,000
Sale commission
Description
RICHARD STRAUSS (1864–1949) Autograph letter signed ‘Dr Richard Strauss’, to Pauline Viardot ‘Hoch geehrte Frau’ (Dear Madam) REGARDING ROSSINI’S ‘THE BARBER OF SEVILLE’ Charlottenburg [Berlin], 4 November 1905 [?] On letterhead. 1 p. In German. 17.9 x 11.4 cm A letter of great interest, addressed to the great French mezzo-soprano Pauline Viardot (1821–1910), whose father, Manuel Garcia, had premiered the role of Almaviva in Rossini’s ‘Il barbiere di Siviglia’. ‘...‘I intend to stage Rossini’s *Il barbiere* here again shortly, as stylistically pure as possible and in accordance with Rossini’s intentions...’ (‘I intend to restage Rossini’s *Il barbiere* here shortly, in the purest possible style and in accordance with Rossini’s intentions’) A letter informing Pauline Viardot of his intention to stage ‘Il barbiere’ and seeking her advice on the execution of the coloratura: would it be faithful to the composer’s intentions to perform the work according to the original score, or did Rossini himself use or accept versions of the vocal parts embellished by other musicians (notably Rosina’s), such as those first employed by Adelina Patti? Provenance: Formerly in the collection of Martine Le Cesne, great-great-granddaughter of Pauline Viardot, and her husband André Le Cesne. At the buyer’s request, we shall be happy to provide a general report on the condition of the lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise potential buyers to carry out their own inspection or to consult a specialist of their choice to obtain a full assessment of the lot’s condition. Descriptions of items provided in the catalogue or by correspondence are for information purposes only and should not be regarded as a definitive assessment. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSION REGARDING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ‘AS IS’, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.
See original version (French)
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About the sale RARE BOOKS & MANUSCRIPTS: Antique books § Autographs, rare editions, photographs § Works on paper
Auction location
Auction time 10/29/2026 at 2:30 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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