BERLIOZ (Hector) (1803–1869). French composer, conductor, an - Lot 9

BERLIOZ (Hector) (1803–1869). French composer, conductor, and music critic. A leading figure of Romanticism, best known for *Symphonie fantastique*, *La Damnation de Faust*, and *Requiem*. Autograph letter signed “Hector Berlioz” to “My dear Mr. Lecomte” [Jules Lecomte]. No place or date [Friday morning, November 12, 1852, according to the attached note]. 2 pages, in-8. An interesting letter concerning an exceptional performance of his Requiem for Baron de Trémont, which also mentions Emperor Napoleon III and the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Berlioz explains to his correspondent that he was unable to go and wake him from his sleep and that such an effort would have been pointless, as Mr. F. de Conches was still in Fontainebleau, where the president was hunting. He then sets out the purpose of his request: “When you see Mr. F. de Conches, please be so kind as to tell him that the purpose of my request is to achieve something grand and exceptional, and not merely to secure the means for a musical performance that is simply more pompous than usual.” The composer wishes to replicate the exceptional conditions under which his Requiem—a monumental work written in 1837—was performed: “For my goal to be achieved, we would need to do at least what the artists’ associations have done recently in performing my Requiem for Baron de Trémont. ” Finally, he refers to the political and religious circumstances that might prevent such a performance: “An emperor is not crowned every day; and the Church of Notre-Dame is no village church.” Baron de Trémont (1779–1852), a lover of art and music and a major collector of autographs, was one of Berlioz’s patrons. A fine letter attesting to Berlioz’s musical ambitions during the Second Empire, his relations with official circles, and his grandiose vision for the performance of his religious works. Some old creases, slight stains, traces of adhesive on the margin of the second page.

Estimate:$890.37

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