940 - MUSIC.

MUSIC. -CHALIAPIN, Fyodor (1873–1938), Russian opera singer. Autograph letter addressed to [Félix?] Boutel de Montvel. No place, June 9, 1911. Blue paper. He is returning to Russia with Boutel de Montvel’s “volumes” and will read them there. -SCRIBE, Eugène. Set of 2 signed autograph letters. 1818 and 1833. 3 pp., in-8. A few minor creases. Interesting work-related correspondence in which Scribe lists and explains his preferences regarding the casting of roles. He writes to Féréol and would like to see Henry cast in the role—“who is very intelligent and whom the public is beginning to recognize”—but leaves the decision to Auber; he mentions *Le Valet de chambre*, *Caraffa*, *Les désespérés*, a role for Ferville, Potier, etc. -PITOEFF, Ludmilla (1899–1951), French actress of Russian origin. Set of 2 documents: handwritten letter and a densely written, autographed postcard. No place, no date [Contréxéville]. 4 pp. in-8 and 1 p. in-12. Pencil. -SPONTINI, Gaspare (1774–1851), Italian composer. Set of 2 autograph letters addressed to the tenor Adolphe Nourrit (1802–1839). Paris, February 7, 1826, and no place, no date. 1 p. in-4 and 1 p. in-12. A beautiful letterhead: “General Intendantur der Kapelle Sr Majestät des Königs von Preussen.” Addresses on the verso of the second sheets; a red wax seal. Spontini presents Adolphe Nourrit with the score of his opera “Olympie” [the third version, in French], performed in Paris in February 1826, in which Nourrit played the role of Cassander, King of Macedonia. Spontini says he is “delighted” by his talent and predicts “the most distinguished career” for him. He assures him of his “unwavering” friendship and praises “that very distinguished talent you employ to bring out the best in the role of Cassander.” A few years earlier, in 1919, it was his own father, the tenor Louis Nourrit, who had performed that same role. -TALMA, François-Joseph (1763–1826), French tragic actor. Set of two handwritten letters addressed to Duverger. No place, no date. Minor pinholes. Concerning tickets issued by Vedel, secretary of the Comédie-Française. -WORMS, Gustave (1836–1910), stage actor and professor at the Conservatoire. Autograph letter to Félix Boutel de Montvel (1861–1939) “At the Théâtre des Variétés.” No place, no date. “Saturday, July 2.” 3 pp., in-8. Envelope. An interesting letter regarding the teaching position offered to Montvel.