COMPOSER

[Filippo Marchetti, composer, and Pasquale Villari, historian.] Marchetti's Autograph Signature ('F Marchetti') with a few bars in autograph from the prelude of 'Ruy Blas'. On same leaf as an Autograph quotation, signed 'Pasquale Villari'.

Author: 
Filippo Marchetti (1831-1902), Italian composer of the opera 'Ruy Blas'; Pasquale Villari (1827-1917), Italian historian, politician and Dante scholar
Publication details: 
Marchetti's autograph on letterhead of the R. Accademia di S. Cecilia ('Liceo Musicale'). Rome, 14 September 1892. Villari's autograph on reverse of leaf, dated from Florence, 2 November 1892.
£350.00

1p, 12mo. Leaf of lightly-browned and creased aged paper, with closed tears to one edge. The two men are clearly writing in response to requests for autographs. Marchetti has written out four bars – slightly affected at end by closed tear – from what he states is 'Ruy Blas Preludio'. Beneath this he signs, in a firm attractive hand, 'F Marchetti'. At the head he dates: 'Roma 14 9bre 92'.

[ Martin Shaw, composer ] Typed Letter Signed "Martin Shaw | for Shaw | Rothenstein | Konody | Strang" to Professor Gilbert Murray, about his joining an "Advisory Committee" of distinguished artists, novelists, poets, etc

Author: 
Martin Shaw, composer (1875–1958)
Publication details: 
50 Clevedon Mansions, Highgate Road, N.W. 10 Nov. 1911
£220.00

One page, cr. 8vo, small closed tear, fold mark, good condition. Shaw asks Murray to reconsider joining the "Advisory Committee" [not found out which yet] giving an impressive list of the names of people already on the Committee - "without exception, every Member has given his consent in the most cordial manner possible." He lists 20 names including Walter Crane, P.G. Konody, Albert Rothenstein, William Rothenstein, Martin Shaw himself, H.G. Wells, R.Vaughan Williams, W.B. Yeats.

[Antal Dorati, Hungarian conductor.] Typed Letter Signed ('Antal Dorati') to Israeli author Aubrey Hodes, on presenting Beethoven's Missa Solemnis for the first time in Israel.

Author: 
Antal Dorati [Antal Doráti] (1906-1988), Hungarian conductor and composer who settled in the United States [Aubrey Hodes, Israeli author]
Publication details: 
On his Roman letterhead: Via dei Foraggi 74, Roma. 1 March 1965.
£150.00

1p, 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. In reply to a letter by Hodes he writes that he is 'happy to hear that Beethoven's Missa Solemnis has made such a deep impact on you which it should make on every listener'. He feels 'very much privileged indeed for having been granted the possibility to present this work for the first time in Israel', and hopes 'to have occasion to perform that great piece there again as well as others which will be important and good to hear'.

[ Brinley Richards, Welsh Composer ] Autograph Letter Signed "Brinley Richards" to the "Editor of The Principality" [not traced]

Author: 
Brinley Richards [Henry Brinley Richards (1817–1 May 1885), Welsh composer and poet]
Publication details: 
[Headed] 25 St Mary Abbot's Terrace, Kensington, W., 8 Oct. 1877
£200.00

Two pages, 12mo, bifolium, good condition. "I am much obliged by your kindness in sending a copy of The Prinipality Oct. 6th. I have read it with great pleasure & hope your efforts will be crowned with success - I am glad to see that [elision] - while endeavouring to raise the standard of literature in Wales- you intend to maintain our Nationality [underlined] in the best sense of the word

[ Sir Frederick Ouseley, Heather Professor of Music at Oxford University. ] Autograph Signature ('Frederick A Gore Ouseley | Prof. Mus. Oxon.') to secretarial letter to Rev. P. A. Le Tenore, describing the requirements for a batchelor's degree.

Author: 
Sir Frederick Ouseley [ Rev. Sir Frederick Arthur Gore Ouseley ] (1825-1889), composer, organist, musicologist, and Heather Professor of Music at Oxford University [ Rev. P. A. Le Tenore, Jersey ]
Publication details: 
St Michaels College, Tenbury [ Worcestershire ]. 'Tuesday. March 17. [ no year, but between 1855 and 1889 ]'.
£100.00

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium on monogrammed letterhead. In fair condition, lightly aged. The body of the letter is written by a secretary. A useful communication, laying out the requirements for a batchelor's degree in music during Ouseley's tenure as Heather Professor, between 1855 and 1889. Ouseley writes in reply to Le Tenore's letter, setting out what is 'required of Candidates for the degree of Mus. Bac.', beginning with the composition of 'an exercise in 5 real parts, with accompaniments for a quintett [sic] band.

[ Julius Harrison, English composer, inscribes a work to Sir Courtenay Mansel. ] Copy of the printed sheet music of 'To Chloe | Song for Voice and Pianoforte | Poem by Thomas Moore | Music by Julius Harrison'.

Author: 
Julius Harrison [ Julius Allan Greenway Harrison ] (1885-1963), English composer [ Thomas Moore (1779-1852), Irish poet ]
Publication details: 
Printed score published by Enoch & Sons (in 'The Enoch Art Song Library'), London. Dated 'June 1920' Harrison's autograph inscription dated 26 October 1920.
£45.00

4pp., 4to. Bifolium. Aged and creased, with chipping and closed tears to edges. Engraved title-page states that the work is 'Copyright 2/- net | No. 1 Low Voice | No. 2 Medium Voice'. Inscribed at top left-hand corner of title-page: 'To my friend Sir Courtenay Mansel with kindest regards from | Julius Harrison | Oct. 26th. 1920'. Moore's poem is printed on the reverse of the first leaf, and facing it, on the recto of the second leaf, is the score. On the reverse of the second leaf is a 'Revised List' of 'The Enoch Art Song Library', with the date of issue ('June, 1920.') at bottom left.

[ Herman Finck, composer and musical director of the Palace Theatre. ] Autograph Letter Signed to 'J. McG.', regarding the Folies Bergère in Paris, music by Delormel, Desormes and Gannes, and a humorous remark by Cuvier.

Author: 
Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer and conductor [ RMS Titanic ]
Publication details: 
8 Haycroft Road, Brixton Hill [ London ]. 30 April 1899.
£45.00

3pp., 12mo. In poor condition, aged and worn, with the two leaves of the bifolium separated. The letter begins: 'My dear J. McG. | Pardon me, but M. Delormel did not write “The Boulanger” March (“En Revenat de la revue”) nor did he write “Père la Victoire” but I dont say he didn't publish them.' Finck attributes the first to 'M.

[ Aldred James Caldicott, composer. ] Autograph Signature ('Alfred J. Caldicott | Mus. Bac Cantab') with a few bars of sheet music in autograph, with words 'Unless you can think when the Song is done'.

Author: 
Alfred J. Caldicott [ Alfred James Caldicott ] (1842-1897), English composer of operas, cantatas, children's songs, humorous songs and glees
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£56.00

On 22.5 x 6.5 cm slip of paper, ruled in red and blue. In good condition, lightly aged. Beneath the line of sheet music and the accompanying words 'Unless you can think when the Song is done,' is the good firm signature: 'Alfred J. Caldicott | Mus. Bac Cantab'.

[ Arthur Wellesley Batson, composer, artist and cleric. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('A Wellesley Batson') to 'Johnnie', whom he has seen in Marlow Church, causing him to reminisce about their time at Whitbourne.

Author: 
Arthur Wellesley Batson (1852-1917), composer, artist and cleric, Rector of Ringstead, Norfolk
Publication details: 
Ringstead Rectory, Lynn. 16 July 1890.
£40.00

2pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. The letter begins: 'My dear Johnnie - | I saw you in Marlow Church the Sunday before last & recognised you although when I saw you last you had long curls falling on your shoulders 10 years ago!' He hopes to meet with him if he is still at Marlow when he goes there again. 'Edward stayed here for a week a short time ago.' The letter concludes: 'I often think of my Whitbourne days & Barkie & the good times we had.' From the papers of the Harington baronets of Whitbourne Court. Batson was a student of theology at Oxford in 1881.

[ Rafael Kubelik, Czech-born conductor and composer. ] Autograph Signature.

Author: 
Rafael Kubelik [ Rafael Jeroným Kubelík ] (1914-1996), Czech-born conductor and composer.
Publication details: 
Dated 25 October 1937.
£35.00

Good firm large signature in blue ink on 13.5 x 18.5 cm leaf of cream paper torn from an album. In good condition, lightly aged. Reads 'Rafael Kubelik | 25.X.37.' No other writing on either side of the leaf.

[ Sir Alexander Campbell Mackenzie, Scottish composer, and John Mackenzie Rogan, Director of Music, Coldstream Guards. ] Their signatures, each with an autograph bar of music, for composer Herman Finck, on a menu from Pagani's Restaurant, London.

Author: 
Sir Alexander Campbell Mackenzie (1847-1935), composer and conductor; John Mackenzie Rogan (1855-1932), Director of Music, Coldstream Guards [ Herman Finck (1872-1939); Pagani's Restaurant, London ]
Publication details: 
Menu from Pagani's Restaurant, London. Dated by Mackenzie 4 November 1909.
£120.00

Attractive menu, printed in black and gold, on card bifolium, folding into two 8 x 17 cm. panels, partly detached. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Calligraphic design, with 'Pagani's' printed in gilt on the cover, and the menu itself on the recto of the second leaf, facing some calligraphic flourishes on the verso of the first leaf. The two inscriptions are both in pencil, mainly on the recto of the second leaf but with the second extending somewhat onto the facing page. The upper of the two, signed by 'A. C.

[ Walter Handel Thorley, organist. ] Autograph Letter Signed to the music critic R. A. Streatfeild, regarding his candidacy for the Conductorship of the London Philharmonic Society.

Author: 
Walter Handel Thorley (1859-1923), Blackburn composer and organist [ R. A. Streatfeild [ Richard Alexander Streatfeild ] (1866-1919), music critic ]
Publication details: 
On embossed letterhead of 25 Durham Terrace, Westbourne Gardens, W. [ London ] 14 July 1899.
£45.00

1p., 12mo. On grey paper. In good condition, lightly aged. Reads: 'Dear Sir | As I am unknown to you further than by Concert on Ap. 28th. may I be permitted to say that I am a Candidate for the Conductorship of the London Phil[harmoni]c. Society and to hope it may prove an acceptable item of news.'

[ Charlotte Helen Sainton, contralto. ] Autograph Note Signed ('Charlotte H Sainton') to an unnamed recipient, stating her terms and agreeing to 'introduce Miss Gabriel's songs'.

Author: 
Charlotte Helen Sainton [ Charlotte Helen Sainton-Dolby; nee Dolby ] (1821-1885), contralto, singing teacher and composer
Publication details: 
Belvedere Mansion, Brighton. 5 November [ no year, on paper watermarked 1862 ].
£120.00

1p., 12mo. On bifolium. In fair condition, on lightly aged paper. She thanks him for his note and states that her 'terms will be ten guineas, and I shall be very happy to introduce Miss Gabriel's songs &c &c'.

[ Edward Bennett Marks, New Yorks music publisher. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Edward B Marks'), a letter of condolence to the widow of the English composer Herman Finck

Author: 
Edward B. Marks Music Corporation, New York City [ Edward Bennett Marks (1865-1945) ] [ Herman Finck [born Hermann Van Der Vinck] (1872-1939), composer, conductor, musical director of Palace Theatre ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead fo the Edward B. Marks Music Corporation, Publishers and Importers of Music, RCA Building, Radio City, New York. 11 May 1939.
£45.00

1p., 4to. On aged and worn paper, with chipping along one edge. He begins: 'Word of the loss of your dear husband reached us some time ago, but I was not able to write you until just now when I received your address from Ralph Hawkes.' He offers his condolences 'on behalf of our whole organisation'. According to Hawkes 'the funeral service was a most impressive one' and 'Mr. Finck was a great figure in the musical world and that he shall be missed a great deal.

[ Herman Finck, composer and conductor. ] Autograph Letter Signed, as musical director of the Palace Theatre, 'To The Gentlemen of the Orchestra', informing them of the abolitiion of 'the system of sending deputies'.

Author: 
Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor [ The Palace Theatre, London ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of The Palace Theatre Limited, Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 15 January 1912.
£56.00

1p., 4to. On aged and worn paper. Reads:'To The Gentlemen of the Orchestra | Commencing with February 17 '12 the system of sending deputies will be entirely abolished in this orchestra. To those members who are not desirous of continuing their engagement under this new rule, I would ask that they gave their names to Mr Honrig before friday evening next, in order that they may receive notice of the termination of their engagement four weeks from that date - 19th inst: | Herman Finck | Musical director'. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last tunes played as the Titanic went down.

[ Sydney Ffoulkes, composer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Sydney ffoulkes'), a letter of condolence to the widow of fellow-composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
Sydney Ffoulkes, composer associated with the actor Sir Henry Irving and the BBC [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
4 Seaford Mansions, Jevington Gardens, Eastbourne. 21 April 1939.
£40.00

2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. He has learnt with 'the deepest regret' of his 'old friend's passing'., and sends his condolences. He will be unable to attend the funeral service, as he had 'a bad fall & fractured two ribs'. He concludes: 'Herman was a great fellow, & nobody will ever replace him -'. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last songs played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Patrick Barrow, composer and conductor. ] Autograph Letter Signed, a letter of condolence to the widow of fellow-composer Herman Finck, praising Finck as a man and a musician.

Author: 
Patrick Barrow, composer and conductor [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
24 Tangier Road, Richmond, Surrey. 22 April 1939.
£40.00

1p., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. He only met Finck on a few occasions, but offers his condolences 'as a Composer of Light Music, and as a former Director of Music at a West End Theatre (Daly's)'. In his view, Finck 'surely had no superior in the art of giving pleasure to others, not only by his personality, but also by his pen.

[ Herman Finck, composer and conductor. ] Material from his widow's papers relating to his death, including 73 signatures of individuals at his funeral service, including Tommy Handley and William Luff; obituaries; fumeral cards, order of service.

Author: 
Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor [ Tommy Handley; Bert Thomas; Charles Prentice; Rex Palmer; Percy Greenbank; William Luff ]
Publication details: 
London. 1939.
£320.00

On his death Finck was described by the Daily Mirror as 'one of the world's greatest writers of light music'. His 'In the Shadows' was one of the last songs played on RMS Titanic before it went down. The collection is in good condition, lightly aged and worn. Items One and Two are in an envelope addressed to Mrs Finck at 122 Finchley Road, with note by her: 'Funeral Cards & names of people at Service'. ONE: Collection of 73 signatures of people attending Finck's funeral service. 5pp., folio. Mostly in pencil. With calling card of 'Mr. Stanley F. Galpin'.

[ John Henry Roberts, stage and screen actor. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('J. H. Roberts'), a letter of condolence to the widow of the composer Herman Finck, containing a personal anecdote.

Author: 
J. H. Roberts [ John Henry Roberts ] (1884-1961), stage and screen actor [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 66 The Ridgeway, N.W.11. 23 April 1939.
£30.00

2pp., 12mo. In fair condition, aged and worn, with a short closed tear along a fold line and small rust stain. He begins in conventional fashion, with a reference to 'Herman's countless friends', before continuing: 'As I write this there is in front of me part of a small collection of books I have each containing some personal inscription from its famous author. Among them is one from Herman. He had thought of me one evening, &, with his usual kindliness, he took a book from his collection, wrote in it, & brought it to me there & then. He spent most of that evening in my dressing room.

[ George Denholm Armour, English artist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('G Denholm Armour'), a letter of condolemce to the widow of composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
George Denholm Armour (1864-1949), English artist associated with Phil May and Joseph Crawhall, and horse breeder [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), composer and conductor ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of The Old Court House, Tetminster, Dorset. 22 April 1939.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition. He is writing 'as an old brother savage' (i.e. a member like Finck of the Savage Club), and asks her to accept his 'most sincere sympathy in the loss' of her husband, and his regret that he cannot be present at his funeral. Headed by Mrs Finck 'Answered'. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last songs played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Herman Finck, composer. ] Nine black and white photographs of Herman Finck, from his papers, ranging from a carte-de-visite of him as a child in Amsterdam (by Hisgen Brothers), to images of him in theatrical settings (one by Langfier Ltd).

Author: 
Herman Finck [ Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch conductor [ Hisgen Brothers, Amsterdam photographers; Langfier Ltd, London photographers ]
Publication details: 
[ Amsterdam (Hisgen Brothers, 128 P. C. Hoofstraat) and London (Langfier Ltd; Central News; Weekly Illustrated) and Nottingham (Nottingham Journal). ] From circa 1878 to the 1930s.
£220.00

Although Finck was an extremely popular and well-connected figure in British musical and theatre circles, the National Portrait Gallery holds no image of him. The nine black and white photographs range in size from 18.5 x 24.5 cm down to the carte-de-visite, which is 10.5 x 6.5 cm. The collection is in fair overall condition, with some creasing and wear, and the corner of the largest photograph repaired on the reverse with archival tape.

[ Hilda Anthony [ Hilda Antonietti ], English stage and screen actress. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Hilda'), a letter of condolence to 'Mabel', the widow of the composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
Hilda Anthony [ Hilda Antonietti ] (1886-1962), English actress, heroine of bushranger play 'Stingaree' by E. W. Hornung [ Herman Finck [ Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch conductor ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 5 Rosemont Mansions, Lithos Road, N.W.3. [ London ] 22 April 1939.
£35.00

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Reads 'Dear Mabel. | I cant tell you how deeply I sympathize with you in your great loss - words are so inadequate. Herman was a grand friend, & I shall always remember his many kindnesses, & the fun we all used to have together. I know you will miss him dreadfully, & so will all his many friends. | All my love & sympathy to you & Marjorie.' Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last songs played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Austin Melford, actor, screenwriter and film director. ] Autograph Letter Signed, a letter of condolence to the widow of composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
Austin Melford [ born Alfred Austyn Melford Smith ] (1884-1971), British actor, screenwriter and film director [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer ]
Publication details: 
On his letterhead, 3 The Close, St John's Wood, N.W.8. [ London ]. 24 April 1939.
£35.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, on aged and lightly-creased paper. He and his wife send their 'sincerest sympathy' on her 'irreparable loss': 'Herman will be missed sadly by his many, many friends and his passing will leave a void which can never be filled.' The word 'Ans:' is written at the head. Finck's song 'In the Shadows' was one of the last to be played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Alfred Turner, Manager of the Saville Theatre. ] Autograph Letter Signed, a letter of condolence to the widow of the composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
Alfred Turner [ 'Tubby' ] (d.1941), manager of actor Cyril Maude and General Manager of Saville Theatre, London [ Herman Finck [ born Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer ]
Publication details: 
On his letterhead as General Manager of the Saville Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London. 21 April 1939.
£40.00

1p., 8vo. In good condition, lightly aged. John Bennion Booth discusses Turner in his 'Old Pink 'un Days' (1925). 'My Wife and I want to express to you and your daughters our great and very real sympathy in your great loss. I sincerely mourn with you for I have lost a very old friend of many years.' He hopes that 'Time, the great healer' will help her in her sorrow. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last songs played as RMS Titanic went down.

[ Alfred Wareing, repertory theatre pioneer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Alfred Wareing'), a letter of condolence to the widow of conductor Herman Finck.

Author: 
Alfred Wareing [ Alfred John Wareing ] (1876-1942), founder of the League of Audiences and repertory theatre pioneer
Publication details: 
On letterhead of The League of Audiences, London. 27 April 1939.
£65.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. 'Your dear husband was one of my oldest and most valued friends in my Savage Club circle; his place can never be filled as you, more than any of us, know and with deep sorrow.' Wareing joined Sir Frank Benson's company in 1900. In 1909 he founded the first Citizens' Theatre in an English-speaking country. On his death The Times (13 April 1942) referred to him as 'a repertory theatre pioneer'. The word 'Answered' is written at the head. Finck's 'In the Shadows' was one of the last pieces played by the orchestra on the Titanic.

[ Ben Davies, Welsh tenor. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Ben Davies.'), expressing condolences to the widow of the composer Herman Finck.

Author: 
Ben Davies (1858-1943), Welsh tenor with the Carl Rosa Opera Company [ Herman Finck [ Hermann Van Der Vinck ] (1872-1939), Anglo-Dutch composer ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 33 Compayne Gardens, West Hampstead, NW [ London ]. 23 April 1939.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Docketed at head 'Answered'. Reads: 'Dear Mrs Finck - | We were very grieved to hear of the passing of your dear husband & our old friend - will you please accept our deepest sympathy in your great sorrow - & our prayers that you & your daughters may be greatly comforted - | Very sincerely Yrs. | Ben Davies'. From the Finck papers.

[ Roger Quilter, composer ] Autogrph Letter Signed "Roger Quilter" to "Mrs Finck", recently widowed wife of Herman Finck, composer and conductor .

Author: 
Roger Quilter [ Roger Cuthbert Quilter (1877–1953), composer, known particularly for his songs ]
Publication details: 
[Headed Notepaper] 23 Acacia Road, NW8, 25 April 1939.
£180.00

Two pages, 8vo, fold mark, very good condition. " I feel I must write you & tell you how deeply I sympathise with you and your daughters in your very sad loss. Although I did not know your husband very well, I was a great admirer of his work and I knew him well enough to realise what a really vital and lovable personality he had. | I shall never forget his friendly and generous words when we first met some years ago.

[ John Pyke Hullah, English composer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('John Hullah') to unnamed recipient, regarding the preparations for a lecture he is to give in St Andrew's Hall [ Glasgow ].

Author: 
John Hullah [ John Pyke Hullah ] (1812-1884), English composer and teacher of music [ St Andrew's Hall, Glasgow, Scotland ]
Publication details: 
Stanford [ Lincolnshire ]. 18 August 1865.
£50.00

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium on grey paper. In good condition, with traces of mount along one edge of verso of last leaf. Being away from home and his papers, he cannot answer all the recipient's questions, but 'it will be enough if I say that I shall not require an Organ, & that the Illustrations to my lecture would (or might be made to) consist exclusively of unaccompanied vocal music, mostly English. The effect of some pieces might be increased by being performed chorally - say with three or four good voices to a part, but they will all admit of performance by one voice to a part'.

[ Jakob Salomon Bartholdy, Prussian diplomat. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('J S Bartholdy') to the French composer and singer Sophie Gail

Author: 
Jakob Salomon Bartholdy [ Jakob Ludwig Salomon Bartholdy ] (1779-1825), Prussian diplomat, Consul-General in Rome, uncle of Felix Mendelssohn [ Sophie Gail [ née Edmée Sophie Garre ] (1775-1819) ]
Publication details: 
2 January 1819.
£950.00

1p., 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Addressed on second leaf, with broken seal in red wax, 'A Madame | Madame Sophie de Gail | &c &c &c | Paris'. Nine lines of neatly and elegantly written text. A somewhat flirtatious acceptance of an invitation, with Bartholdy noting 'les belles choses que vous daignez me dire [...] Votre maniere est trop sedisante pour ne pas faire de l'impression'. It was at Bartholdy's suggestion that his sister Lea, the mother of the composer Felix Mendelssohn, joined him in adopting the surname Bartholdy.

[ Alberto Randegger, composer. ] Autograph Note Signed to 'Miss Elphick'.

Author: 
Alberto Randegger (1832-1911), Italian composer who from 1854 lived in England.
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 10 Lower Seymour Street, Portman Square, W. [ London ]. 16 July 1891.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. Reads: 'Dear Miss Elphick | I shall be happy to see you on Wednesday the 22nd. inst at 10.45 a.m. | With kind regards | yours truly | Alberto Randegger'.

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