Saint-Amand, (Arthu-Léon) Imbert de, diplomat, choreographer and historian (1834-1900). 2 autograph letters signed.

€ 400.00

About musical performances of opera singers, with personal assessments.

The "Dimanche" letter from Saint-Amand's later years is written to a friend with a recommendation of the singer Mademoiselle Calvi for Monte Carlo and Europe, noting the project of the conductor Jules Pasdeloup: "Je me suis empressé de communiquer à Mlle Calvi l'aimable projet de Pasdeloup. Elle chante très bien l'Italien. Mais Lucie [de Lammermoor of Donizetti], qui est tout-à-fait un rôle de chanteuse légère ne rentre ni dans son répertoire, ni des ses moyens vocaux [...]".

To a friend in Étretat ("Jeudi soir"), with praise for Ambroise Thomas' music, about the baritone Victor Maurel, Jacques Callot, and the operatic singer Caroline Salla, for whom Saint-Amand sees a bright future and whom the heat had affected so badly that she should take some days off at Étretat before her tour to London; further about a Françoise whom the sight of the sea fortified for a further voyage: "Je suis plus en plus content de Mlle Salla. je lui prédis un succès éclatant. C'est une grande cantatrice et une tragédienne inspirée [...]".

Each letter with letterhead of the foreign ministry and collection stamp of the "Archives Ménestrel". The shorter letter slightly browned, rubbed and somewhat duststained with light foxing to the corners.