Saint-Saëns, Camille, French composer, organist, conductor and pianist (1835-1921). 5 autograph letters signed, and 2 autograph correspondence cards signed.

Aix-les-Bains, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Faubourg, Las Palmas, and no place, 1896-1900 and no date.

(Oblong) 8vo and oblong 12mo. Together 14½ pp. on 4 bifolia and 3 single sheets.

 2.500,00

Amicable correspondence with the cellist and conductor Achille Kerrion (1868-1939), expressing his wish for a serious, non-international lyric theatre, suggesting for Kerrion's concerts several of his works that have not been performed for some time, including the operas "Etienne Marcel", "Le timbre d'argent", "Henry VIII", and "Ascanio", as well as instrumental works: "Ah! S'il pouvait se monter un théâtre lyrique sérieux, et pas international, ou très peu! Soupez que j'ai tout un répertoire qui dort, et qui ne demande qu'à l'éveiller: Etienne Marcel, le timbre d'argent, Henry VIII, Ascanio... on n'aurait que l'embarras du choix [...]" (Las Palmas, 17 Jan. 1899). With his own autograph address on verso.

About a conflict with the singer Gabrielle Krauss (1842-1906), who apparently refused to let him choose a baritone, afraid that his insistence might create an awkward situation: "Mon éditeur trouve aussi que M. Krauss seule peut relever la situation de façon à me permettre de prendre le bariton. Mais y consentira-t-elle? il en doute. Je n'ai de lui demander moi-même; si cela ne lui plait pas, je la connais, mon intervention personnelle ne fera ni chaud ni froid et son refus créerait une situation ennuyante entre nous [...]" (no place or date).

About not having a metronome, encouraging Kerrion to write as he sees fit, offering to review his work if possible, scheduling his return to Paris for the following week, and sending his regards to Kerrion's sister, the singer Stéphanie Kerrion: "Je n'ai pas de métronome ici, faites à votre idée et je ratifierai s'il y a lieu. Je ne sais pas encore quand je reviendrai, ce sera dans le courant de la semaine prochaine. Merci et mille compliments ainsi qu'à Mademoiselle votre soeur [...]" (Aix-les-Bains, 27 July 1896).

The remaining letters and correspondence card concern a concert performance of his opera "Frédégonde", thanks for congratulations, the recommendation of a singer, and express his delight with Kerrion's position as director of the orchestra, emphasizing that he could not give him any hints, as Saint-Saëns is much less experienced in this area than Kerrion is.

One letter on mourning paper. Letters with traces of former mounting on verso; a few small marginal flaws; the lower left corner of one letter torn off, not affecting the text.

Art.-Nr.: BN#54134 Schlagwort: