François-Henri-Joseph Blaze, known as CASTIL-BLAZE (1784-1857) composer and music critic. 11 L.A.S., Paris 1821-1838, to his uncle Sébastien Blaze, notary in Cavaillon (one to his father, notary in Avignon, and one to his sister Henriette); 32 pages in-4, addresses. We enclose 3 l.a.s. of his nephew Sébastien Blaze fils (1822), of his brother Elzéar (1838), and of his son Henri (1844). Beautiful family correspondence, evoking the world of music and journalism. He wrote to his father on April 9, 1821, justifying his decision to settle in Paris, based on the need for financial independence and family responsibilities: "I only see the work I do as a profession that can give me enough to live on and raise my children. ... all the chances are for me ...". May 18, 1825. "My theatre and my business gave me back this year about twenty-five thousand francs...". However, he asks his uncle to take care of his business, and explains the details of a proposal for sale from his sister-in-law Angélique Bury... October 15, 1828. Announcement of the death of his wife, "our good Félise", after a long and painful illness (details)... 5th February 1833. "Last year was very bad for me, I have some hopes for this one, but they are very far away": his Don Juan will come after Le Bal masqué d'Auber et Scribe. "If I miss Rossini and have to wait too long to go to the Opera, I will decide to transmute this lyrical drama into a spoken drama for the Porte St Martin where Victor Hugo has just achieved an admirable success, Lucrezia Borgia. I do prose in Le Constitutionnel and La Revue de Paris, that's the clearest part of my business " . The rumour runs in the world of a marriage of his "fat devotee" daughter Christine, with Jules Janin... Debut of his son in journalism... December 27, 1834. Commentary on a showdown between the director of the Opéra-Comique and the "coalition of authors". Robin Hood is now rehearsed: "we will go on stage on January 10 if there is not some new cou