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

[Paris], no date.

8vo. 7 pp. on 4 ff.

 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.

Stock Code: BN#61063 Tag: