Bidspirit auction | [MUSIC] - MASSENET Jules (1842

[MUSIC] - MASSENET Jules (1842 - 1912) - Daily Life Of A Composer: Massenet’s Intimate Letters To His Family - 23 autograph letters (most signed with an initial), dated 1907, to his wife Louise Massenet “Ninon” or his daughter Juliette (one to his son-in-law Léon Bessand); 63 pages, in-8 or in-12. Letters arrive almost daily: news of the weather and his health: in August, he spent some time in Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer to rest and regain his strength before returning to work on ”Bacchus”; he complains of being separated from his wife, who has remained in Égreville; he is indignant at Reynaldo Hahn, who is promoting his ballet “La Fête chez Thérèse” under the title “Thérèse”; he provides updates on the box office receipts for Thaïs and the performances of Ariane. Back in Paris, he meets with Gunsbourg and Trouhanova regarding his ballet Espada in Monte Carlo, along with the revival of Thérèse; Manon brings in 8,000 in box office receipts and is revived at La Monnaie; he has returned to work; sessions at the Institute for the Rome Prize competition; rehearsals; a trip to Turin; revival of Thaïs with Garden and Albers. Enclosed are two autographed envelopes addressed to Léon Bessand, and a short handwritten letter from Louise Massenet to the same. This extensive group of letters provides a rare and detailed insight into Massenet’s daily life during the final years of his career. The mixture of personal concerns, professional engagements, and artistic reflections offers a vivid portrait of a composer balancing domestic life with institutional responsibilities. Collections of this size and coherence are particularly valuable, as they allow for a continuous narrative rather than isolated glimpses. The references to major works, performances, and figures of the time significantly enhance their historical importance within the operatic world. •⁠> This lot is located in and ships from the UK. A UK export license is required prior to shipment. Import duties and taxes in the destination country are the buyer's responsibility.