Polish composer (1810–1849) considered one of the great masters of Romantic music Rare ALS in French, signed “Chopin,” one page, 4 x 5.25, April 10, [no year, likely circa 1845]. Handwritten letter regarding his travels, possibly to the composer's pupil Friederike Müller. In part: (translated): "I'm leaving in 15 or 20 days—I'll be back in the month of September or October. I thank you for your good memories." He adds a handwritten postscript: "A thousand compliments to your aunt." In fine condition. Accompanied by a later bust-length 6 x 7.75 portrait etching of the composer by the German artist Wilhelm Pech, signed in pencil by Pech.
Published in Correspondance de Frédéric Chopin, Volume 3: La gloire, 1840-1849, no. 579. Previously in the collection of John and Johanna Bass, founders of the Bass Museum of Art in Miami, Florida.
In the period of 1844–1845, Frédéric Chopin published two significant works: the Berceuse for piano, Op. 57, and the Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58, which received high praise and represented a reconsideration of the sonata form, showcasing Chopin's unique musical idiom. Chopin writes that he plans to leave Paris within three weeks, most probably for Nohant, George Sand's summer estate. Despite his creative success, Chopin's health was poor, and he had suffered from severe illness throughout the winter. George Sand, his romantic partner, noted his struggles in correspondence but mentioned that warmer weather brought some relief. As summer approached, they planned a move to Nohant, although a typhus epidemic delayed their departure until mid-June. The year 1845 also marked the beginning of a significant rift in Chopin's relationship with Sand, exacerbated by family tensions and his declining health.
Chopin's correspondent may very well have been one of his most brilliant students, the Austrian pianist Friederike Müller, who lived with three of her father's sisters in Vienna following the death of her mother. Müller often passed Chopin's best wishes on to her aunts in her letters, so his postscript supports this idea. Chopin dedicated his Allegro de Concert, op. 46, to Müller.
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