BENEDICT JULIUS: (1804-1885) German-born composer and conductor. A good A.L.S., J Benedict, three pages, 4to, Stuttgart, 14^th September 1847, to Sigismond Thalberg, in French (and with a few lines of text in English). Benedict states that the King of Wurttemberg ('bon de ses sujets, qui a dire vrai l'ont bien mal traite pour avoir sacrifice toute son existence a leur bonheur'; Translation 'good of his subjects, who to tell the truth treated him very badly for having sacrificed his whole existence for their happiness') will be leaving for Switzerland and the Tyrol in the next few days, continuing 'Attendu ces circonstances, mon opera ne sera represente que vers la mi-Octobre et n'ayant rien a faire dans ma bien heureuse patrie - qui entre autres qualities estimables conserve surtout le privilege d'etre souverainement ennuyeuse - je suis decide mon cher Sigis de partir samedi ou lundi prochain pour Munich et Vienne, ou j'espere vous revoir bientot' (Translation: 'Given these circumstances, my opera will not be performed until mid-October and having nothing to do in my very happy homeland - which among other estimable qualities retains above all the privilege of being supremely boring - I have decided my dear Sigis to leave next Saturday or Monday for Munich and Vienna, where I hope to see you again soon'). Benedict further refers to his correspondent's concerts, encouraging him to perform in Stuttgart where he would be guaranteed a brilliant reception and the opportunity to play before the King and Princess Royal, 'J'espere que vous pourrez arranger votre retour de Vienne a Paris par Stuttgart - ou a cette epoque en deux ou trois jours vous serez a peu pres sur de vous faire entendre a la cour et en public, et si dans votre concert vous croyez - qu'en fait de nouveaute le duo de Norma puisse avoir des attraits pour ce public probablement vierge qui s'imagine que je suis un pianiste mirobolant ne m'ayant pas entendu depuis 12 a 15 ans…..' (Translation: 'I hope you can arrange your return from Vienna to Paris via Stuttgart - where at this time in two or three days you will be almost sure to make yourself heard at court and in public, and if in your concert you believe - that in fact the new duet of Norma can have an attraction for this probably virgin public who imagine that I am a fabulous pianist and who have not heard me for 12 or 15 years'). With address panel in Benedict's hand and bearing the remnants of a small red wax seal. A letter of both fine content and association. VG

Sigismond Thalberg (1812-1871) Austrian composer and one of the most distinguished virtuoso pianists of the 19^th century.

William I (1781-1864) King of Wurttemberg 1816-64.