DVORAK, Antonin (1841-1904). Composer.
Autograph Letter Signed to Henry Littleton of Novello's, in eccentric English, 2 pages (not back-to back) 8vo (small tape-stains not affecting the text), [Prague, probably May 1885]. Announcing that he and Zubaty will leave Prague for Vsoká that day, asking for the libretto of Abraham, and discussing a fee due to him.

'... Today I leave Prague and will stay in Vysoka as long as I can. I hope you will be so Kind and sent me the libretto of Abraham as soon as possible. The letter from Colbourne I can't find, but you said to me, the Hereford Comité will pay me 50Ł. Will you ask they? Perhaps, I was mistaken!'

Dvorák was a regular visitor to England during the 1880s and 1890s. This was to be his fourth trip (April to May 1885), with his friend Dr Josef Zubaty, in order to conduct his Seventh Symphony at St James's' Hall, London. Littleton, who had instigated Dvorák's first visit in 1884, was to be his host on this occasion.
 The old St James's Hall had frontages to both Piccadilly and Regent Street, and was the scene of many memorable concerts from its opening in March 1858. Charles Dickens gave his final reading there on 15 March 1870.

£1750 [No: 21998]