Giacomo MEYERBEER (1791-1864). L.A.S., Berlin April 21, 1853, to the Minister of Public Instruction [Hippolyte Fortoul]; 4 pages in-4 in his cipher. About his future projects: L'Africaine, and L'Étoile du Nord (to be premiered at the Opéra-Comique on February 16, 1854; L'Africaine was not premiered at the Opéra until April 28, 1865, after the composer's death). He thanks the Minister for his confidence, and wants to confide in him my innermost secrets as an author, but asks him to reveal nothing: "You know the inconveniences and disadvantages that can result from publishing an artist's projects too prematurely [...] I do indeed have a libretto for the Grand Opéra [L'Africaine]; however, it has been altered in such a way by M. Scribe, that it has become a completely new work to recompose. [...] This work was delivered to me only two months ago, so that it is impossible for me to complete this new work, which comprises five acts, by next winter. But he confides, under the seal of secrecy, that he has a large, finished work for the Théâtre Impérial de l'Opéra comique, the subject of which seems to me to be perfectly suited to current circumstances. If, as I hope, the Director of the Opéra Comique fulfills the conditions I have asked of him, conditions which are all artistic, I will come to Paris this summer to direct the rehearsals, so that it can be performed at the beginning of winter. [...] This will not prevent me from working ardently on my score for the Grand Opéra, where I shall henceforth experience a double pleasure in producing a work, since this fine institution is now placed under the auspices of Your Excellency, who has always honored me with his benevolent protection... Attached is a L.A.S. to Mme Thérèse Célérier, Thursday evening [early January 1864] (1 p. in-8, one envelope enclosed), offering her a box for the brilliant revival of Rossini's Moses: I am always a little indisposed & in these cold weather conditions I don't go out much, that's why I haven't yet come to wish you a happy new year in person ...