|
Price: $1000.00 |
|
NEAR MINT CONDITION |
|
Autographed 4 page letter to librettist Louis Laloy regarding their opera, “Padmavati”. Paris, 19 November, 1917.
My dear friend, I saw Bernard yesterday morning. He didn’t want to talk to me about Padmavati so much as to let me know of his hesitations about taking on its’ sets and his fear that he will not be as good as this or that famous designer. The better part of our conversation consisted in a monologue where he revealed his state of mind, in fact very understandable which results in his current firm decision, even though he asked me for a little more time to think this over, not to get involved in work that he finds useless, ir not challenging to his fame. I insisted, as I am sure you understand, only as far as rules of politeness demanded. I wrote to Rouché this morning to inform him of our conversation, which Bernard will definitely confirm with him before he goes back to Rome. I pointed out to him that Bernard would perhaps agree to design a basic dummy that could be developed and finalized by a specialist (In case Rouché insists on seeing his name on the poster.) But I think it would be easier to just ask a man who knows about the theatre and who could doe something good for Padmavati to produce the set. Don’t you agree? In any case it would be good to know where we stand as soon as possible and I hope that Rouché will want to have a solution promptly. I wrote to him that I am at his disposal to talk this over, either during the day on Sunday or some week day after dinner. I hope to see you soon. I am still with S.P. 1, School of Arts and Crafts, and I’m wondering how to get myself out of there! I feel so completely useless there, while on the other hand also feeling like such a “work force” that I am losing patience with all this wasted time. As of Rhené-Baton who has had trouble walking, and who should be sent to some neutral country, Holland , Switzerland, or America to conduct a series of concerts, he was called two days ago where he has been polishing the boots of artillery men. Now that’s good military work! My best to Mrs. Laloy, and yours cordially, A sensational letter discussing the preparations for Roussel’s most important opera with his librettist Louis Laloy (1874-1944). “Padmavati” was completed by Roussel in 1918, but due to the war, did not receive it’s World Premier until 1923. Jacques Rouché, (1862-1957) was the independently wealthy Director of the Paris Opera, who commissioned the work, which originally was to premier there in 1918, however, the expense of the production and huge cast held the work for 5 years. The opera has been revived in the last few years and a new production complete with a live elephant was performed at both the Paris Opera and the Spoleto Festival!
|
ALBERT ROUSSEL - COMPOSER |
|
Phone: 212-860-5541 * Fax: 917-677-8247
|
