French composer (1838–1875) whose operatic masterpiece, Carmen, was completed just before his untimely death from heart disease. ALS in French, one page, 5.25 x 8.25, no date but circa 1863. Handwritten letter of admiration from young Bizet, addressed to a female composer—probably Pauline Viardot—sending her his opera The Pearl Fishers. In part (translated): "I have received your charming score and your two excellent works. I have read them with the sharpest interest, and I hope to be able to come to you and tell you how much I liked them. I would like to remind you as well of the promise you made me…I am talking about the Baden opera house…Here are my Pearl Fishers. I would like to have something better to offer you, but you will be indulgent, of that I'm sure, just like all truly talented artists are. Once again, thank you, Madam, and please believe me, I am your sincere admirer and your most devoted." In very good to fine condition, with a short split to the horizontal fold, and minor loss to the lower right corner.
Around this date, Bizet received the promise that his works would be played at the Baden-Baden festival he had inaugurated with Berlioz in 1862. At the same date, Pauline Viardot had just settled in Baden-Baden to escape French Emperor Napoleon III's regime, making it likely that this letter is addressed to her.
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