Autograph letter signed ("Jules Benedict").
12mo. 2 pp. on bifolium.
$343.00
To a M. Gorbaut in Paris, probably a publisher, concerning an important project that is not further specified: "Je profite du départ de notre ami Mr. Roche pour Paris pour vous adresser ces lignes et pour vous prier de vouloir bien lui faire part du dernier bulletin, mon grand projet. J'espère que la proposition dont je vous ai parlé dans ma dernière lettre et que vous a été communiquée par Mr. Mira ne vous est pas désagréable [...]".
Born in Stuttgart, Benedict learnt composition from Johann Nepomuk Hummel and Carl Maria von Weber. In 1823 Weber introduced Benedict to Ludwig van Beethoven, and he obtained his first position as Kapellmeister of the Kärtnertortheater in Vienna. Similar positions in Naples and Paris followed, while Benedict's first operatic compositions enjoyed very limited success. In 1835 Benedict went to London, following a suggestion by Maria Malibran, where he would spend the remainder of his life. Benedict briefly conducted operas at the Lyceum Theatre before he was appointed conductor of the English Opera at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in 1838. From 1850 to 1852, Benedict accompanied Jenny Lind's famous tour of America as her accompanist and conductor. Upon his return, he became musical director at Her Majesty's Theatre under the management of James Henry Mapleson. His best known opera, "The Lily of Killarney", was produced at Covent Garden in 1862.
Traces of folds. With collector's note in brown ink.
