Details
BERLIOZ, Hector (1803-1869). Autograph letter signed ('Hector Berlioz') to Monsieur [Ferdinand] David, Hanover, 7 November 1853, 3 pages, 8vo (in-laid).
A reply to an invitation to conduct his works at Leipzig. 'Je desire beaucoup, vous n'en pouvez douter, produire quelques unes de mes dernières compositions à Leipsig; mais je n'ai pas la moindre prétention à changer les usages de la société de Gevanthaus à cette occasion ... Je ne cherche que la possibilité d'agir artistement'. The programme he proposes includes selections from 'La Fuite en Egypte, petit oratorio ou mystère', and 'Roméo et Juliette', requiring the normal orchestra with bassoons, trumpets and cymbals, and 'avez vous un cor anglais?'. Further questions refer to the cost of the orchestra for rehearsals and concert, and the payment for singers and, in confidence, Berlioz wants to know 'Si ces chanteurs sont des dieux ou seulement des hommes ... il faut neanmoins que ces hommes soient musiciens'.
The letter was written on seeing Ferdinand David's letter to Griepenkerl [suggesting Berlioz's visit] and, as he describes, during a tour of Germany including Brunswick, Hanover and Bremen. His visit in December to Leipzig, an altogether more conservative place, and the two concerts in the Gewandhaus, attended by Liszt who came from Weimar, succeeded beyond any expectations and the performances included the premiere of the complete score of La fuite en Egypte. Ferdinand David (1810-1873), violinist, composer and teacher, was a close friend of Mendelssohn, with whose support he became leader of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. Joachim was among his pupils. Wolfgang Robert Griepenkerl (1810-1868), critic and writer, was one of Berlioz's closest friends in Germany and promoted his work there.
A reply to an invitation to conduct his works at Leipzig. 'Je desire beaucoup, vous n'en pouvez douter, produire quelques unes de mes dernières compositions à Leipsig; mais je n'ai pas la moindre prétention à changer les usages de la société de Gevanthaus à cette occasion ... Je ne cherche que la possibilité d'agir artistement'. The programme he proposes includes selections from 'La Fuite en Egypte, petit oratorio ou mystère', and 'Roméo et Juliette', requiring the normal orchestra with bassoons, trumpets and cymbals, and 'avez vous un cor anglais?'. Further questions refer to the cost of the orchestra for rehearsals and concert, and the payment for singers and, in confidence, Berlioz wants to know 'Si ces chanteurs sont des dieux ou seulement des hommes ... il faut neanmoins que ces hommes soient musiciens'.
The letter was written on seeing Ferdinand David's letter to Griepenkerl [suggesting Berlioz's visit] and, as he describes, during a tour of Germany including Brunswick, Hanover and Bremen. His visit in December to Leipzig, an altogether more conservative place, and the two concerts in the Gewandhaus, attended by Liszt who came from Weimar, succeeded beyond any expectations and the performances included the premiere of the complete score of La fuite en Egypte. Ferdinand David (1810-1873), violinist, composer and teacher, was a close friend of Mendelssohn, with whose support he became leader of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. Joachim was among his pupils. Wolfgang Robert Griepenkerl (1810-1868), critic and writer, was one of Berlioz's closest friends in Germany and promoted his work there.
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