LEHAR, Franz (1870-1948). Hungarian operetta composer.
Autograph Letter Signed to Carl Hentschel, 1 page 8vo with original envelope, 14 January 1909. Regretfully declining an invitation [to the 'Merry Widow' dinner] as he has to be in Vienna for a premiere, together with a fine copy of the menu for the dinner in question, and a full transcript and translation.
The dinner in question, for which the menu is a commemorative brochure of twelve pages and cover tied with an orange ribbon, celebrated the success of George Edwardes's production of The Merry Widow (the first London performance was in June 1907). The composer thanks everyone involved in the successful run.

'... I should like to come, but I am about to have my premiere and so I really must stay in Vienna just now. But your invitation pleased me very much, and I should also like to thank you for your kind congratulation.
 Give my best regards to everyone! Particularly the incomparable pair of artistes Hannah and Danilo (called Sonja in England) and Director Edwardes.'

[No: 20713]