DVORAK ANTONIN: (1841-1904) Czech composer. A good A.L.S., A Dvorak, four pages, 8vo ...

DVORAK ANTONIN: (1841-1904) Czech composer. A good A.L.S., A Dvorak, four pages, 8vo, Prague, 4^th August 1886, to 'My dear Friend' (possibly the music publisher Henry Littleton), in English. Dvorak informs his correspondent that he has just returned to Prague and received their letter, continuing to remark 'It is difficult for me to give you any promises in regards to the arranged courtesy in Scotland. I have much to do in Prague…..and I really do not know if I shall be abel (sic) to remain in London as long as you wish. I imagine I must be here in Prague till the end of October to conduct the Ludmila in our National Theatre and after having enjoied (sic) a little rest, I would be compeled (sic) to undertake such a larg (sic) journey to England agin!! (sic). If it would be only another time (March or April) I would certainly come, but in December when the days are getting very short and cold it is much les (sic) agreebel (sic) and tiresome to travel. This is the only reason which prevents me making use of your friendly invitation', and further adding that his wife would be glad to come to London so that she could see the two performances in St. James's Hall and Crystal Palace, and that he himself longs to see the beautiful Scotland of Robert Burns and asking if the trip could be postponed to the following Spring, concluding by asking his correspondent to send him a copy of the newly printed score for Saint Ludmila as soon as possible. A letter of fine content, not least for its references to Saint Ludmila. Rare. One neat split to the lower half of the central vertical fold, otherwise VG

Saint Ludmila was Dvorak's third oratorio and was composed for soloists, choir and orchestra between September 1885 and May 1886. The work was commissioned by the publisher Littleton during Dvorak's first visit to England and was intended for the Leeds Music Festival, where Dvorak conducted the first performance on 15^th October 1886. It had considerable success with the audience 'in raptures…..the critics praised the music in the warmest terms'.

Dvorak made nine invited visits to England during his career, often conducting performances of his own works.