Henri HERZ (1803–1888). Autograph letter, Warsaw, May 25, 18 - Lot 285

Lot n° 285
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Result : 528EUR
Henri HERZ (1803–1888). Autograph letter, Warsaw, May 25, 18 - Lot 285
Henri HERZ (1803–1888). Autograph letter, Warsaw, May 25, 1859, to the Escudier brothers in Paris; 3½ pages, in-4 format, with address and postmarks (date crossed out for publication). A long letter about his journey and musical life in Russia. The trip got off to a bad start with the theft of his travel bag, following a journey of “5 days and 5 nights in dreadful carts (telegs)” through snow and cold. Upon arriving in St. Petersburg, he was able to attend “the last theatrical performance of the season,” a benefit for “poor Bosio. […] With Lent comes a flood of concerts. Concerts interspersed with tableaux vivants are very popular. However, there are also fine symphonic concerts, concerts where all the artists play from sight (no rehearsal); and vocal concerts featuring the singers of the Imperial Chapel. Charity concerts are also held with the help of distinguished amateurs, and there is a great deal of chamber music performed. However, the most popular concerts are generally those by foreign artists who enjoy a certain reputation; revenues are high, but expenses are enormous “and absorb a large portion of the profit.” […] There are six full orchestras in St. Petersburg, all funded by the Crown,” nearly all of whose members are German and well conducted by Schuberth. “The piano is very popular in Russia”; there are many teachers (Herz names the most important ones). “The audience at the Grand Theater is particularly fond of Verdi’s music; but there is another segment that swears by Wagner and Schumann. This group mercilessly condemns any comprehensible melody: I heard them boo the overture to *The White Lady*.” In Moscow, the theater is magnificent; the audience there is “extremely gracious,” and Herz was very well received. “Piano teachers are doing well in Moscow,” including Honnoré and a brother of Rubinstein…
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