^Lot 617 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Esteemed Russian composer (1840–1893) whose colorful, dramatic, and expressive works represent the epitome of the Russian Romantic tradition and take a place among the most beloved staples of the concert repertory. Rare and desirable ALS in French, signed “P. Tchaikovsky,” one page, 4.5 x 5.75, February 25, 1889. Letter to “Mon cher ami Paul,” (Dear friend Paul) most likely his friend Paul Cossmann (1869-1942), German writer and director of the magazine Süddeutsche Monatshefte. In full: “I beg you to excuse me. I will not be able to have the pleasure of having which with you today. I was wrong not to have taken you address the other day. This prevented me to advise you in time. This morning I have a rehearsal after which I absolutely need to have much with the Russian Consul. Please come tomorrow to my house at one in the afternoon. Pray excuse me.” In fine condition, with small pencil notation along hinge.

In February 1889, Tchaikovsky was on his second tour abroad, performing in cities across Europe. At the time, he was at work on his ballet, The Sleeping Beauty, op. 66, which would premiere in St. Petersburg in 1890. He was in Germany when he penned this letter to Cossmann, whose father had been his colleague at the Moscow Conservatory years before. While in Frankfort, Tchaikovsky met his old friend at a rehearsal and joined the family for dinner. Tchaikovsky would soon perform in Berlin, and he was likely asked to get in touch with Paul, who was studying in the city. Cossmann would later found the magazine Süddeutsche Monatshefte and, a critic of the Nazis, would die in a concentration camp in 1942. A rare letter in superlative condition, written at the height of the composer’s fame.