[CASTLE OF LA MUETTE] Céleste SPONTINI (1790-1878) daughter of piano maker Jean-Baptiste Érard, wife (1811) of Spontini. LA.S. "C Spontini Cesse de St Andrea," from La Muette Passy July 15, 1869, to Ambroise Thomas; 2 1/2 pages in-8 with his crowned cipher. "Since you succeeded my dear husband in the chair of the Institute, it seems to me that there is between us a musical link. She recommends Gaston de Launay, from the Conservatoire de musique, a piano student of Monsieur Marmontel, [...] a talented young man, much loved by his teacher and burning with the desire to make his mark in the next competition but who has no protection! Your influence and your vote [...] are of great weight in the deliberations of the Jury; if you find that among the many competitors Mr Gaston de Launay has distinguished himself, be good enough, Sir, to give him your support, which will earn him a triumph "...