29 - Luigi CHERUBINI (1760–1842).

Luigi CHERUBINI (1760–1842). Autograph letter signed “L. Cherubini,” Paris, December 24, 1835, to Chevalier INGRES, “member of the Institut, Director of the French Academy in Rome”; 2 pages, in-4 format, with address and postmarks. A very fine letter from the musician to the painter Ingres, who painted his portrait. Description: “It has been quite a long time since I had the pleasure of corresponding with you, whom I love with all my heart and whom I revere as a man of integrity and a great artist”… He is in good health, “but I find myself, despite myself, overcome by a deep sadness, without knowing what to attribute as its true cause: everything bores me, but I say nothing to anyone, especially not to my wife, whom I fear might worry—her health is not without its troubles. What may be contributing to my gloom is perhaps my age, which is weakening my organs and the vitality of life. In any case, I am no longer worth much, for my compositions suffer as a result: it is time for me to call it quits. As for you, dear friend, you are still young and capable of producing works worthy of your fine talent.” And regarding his portrait: “Are you still working on my sad face, which you had begun to beautify with your brushes? Do you still intend to make a trip to Paris, as you told me before leaving for Rome, after two years of your directorship? What a pleasure it would be for me and for all your friends if such a plan were to come to fruition! ” Finally, he mentions the young “Edward” [Antoine Elwart], a student in Rome, who “has just achieved great success with a cantata he composed in memory of Bellini. It is said that you have shown him a great deal of interest. This must encourage him, for it is an honor for him to have received your particular approval”…