39 - CARVALHO (Caroline MIOLAN, wife) (1827–1895). Famous French opera singer, one of the first great divas of 19th-century French opera.

CARVALHO (Caroline MIOLAN, wife) (1827–1895). Famous French opera singer, one of the first great divas of 19th-century French opera. Autograph telegram addressed to Madame M. de Grandmont. Paris, November 23, 1874. 2 pages, in-12 format, in brown ink, on a form from the Telegraph Service, with a 50-centime stamp and postmarks. An interesting autograph telegram in which the famous soprano discusses her busy schedule and the demands of her singing lessons, while expressing her regret at not being able to meet her correspondent before her wedding. “Ah, what a sad turn of events indeed—I so much wish I could have you all to myself to talk about the one who, alas, left so quickly. I have to be out today from 2 to 4 for lessons—and from 4 to 6—so it’s too late to ask you to come at that hour.” She goes on to express her affection: “I know you’ve taken an interest in my sad plight. Thank God, I’ve been feeling better for the past few days, but I still can’t go out. The Director told me that you are unwell and he cannot visit you at the moment, so I am writing to ask you to excuse him and to please send us some news of yourself. Best regards to your family.” Caroline Miolan-Carvalho (1827–1895) was one of the most illustrious French sopranos of the 19th century. Remarkable for the agility and purity of her coloratura soprano voice, she premiered several of the leading female roles in Charles Gounod’s operas, notably Marguerite in *Faust* (1859), Baucis in Philémon et Baucis (1860), and Juliette in Roméo et Juliette (1867). She was the wife of Léon Carvalho, a theater director and prominent figure in Parisian opera circles. This document is of interest both for the history of opera and for the history of communications in the 19th century; it is preserved on its original telegraph form, complete with a postmark and postal stamps. Old creases, numerous autograph erasures and overwriting, slight signs of handling. Good overall condition.