Autograph Letter

BERLIOZ, Hector (1803-1869), French composer. An 11-line ALS to "Monsieur," signed "H. Berlioz." 1 full p., 8vo. N. p. [Paris] 30 December 1857.

Berlioz writes to an unnamed correspondent about what he wrote as music critic for the Journal des Débats, 17 November, in reply to M. [Benoît] Jouvin's comments in Figaro. According to the Hector Berlioz website Berlioz had written about the first production of Margot, a comic opera in three acts, at the Théâtre Lyrique 5 November 1857, by Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges and Adolphe de Leuven, music by Antoine-Louis Clapisson, and also wrote there about "Inauguration de la salle Beethoven. CONCERT D'OUVERTURE." Berlioz writes about a response from Jouvin, the publisher of Figaro, a man about whom it has been said always left the theater irritated. Berlioz writes: "It is in the Journal des Debats of November 17th that I have replied to the few lines that Mr. Jouvin has published in the Figaro. But as regards to the article that he wrote in answer to my reply, I did not have to answer it, and I did not do so. Many thanks for all the gracious things for me contained in your letter, receive my best feelings." From 1834 to 1863 Berlioz wrote more than 400 contributions to the prestigious and influential Paris paper, the Journal des Débats, which represent rather less than half of his entire output as music critic. Apparently unpublished, and not one of his well over 3000 letters found in his Correspondance général (1972-2003). Very good, with edges slightly browned, and three edges very slightly rough.