62. Glinka, Mikhail. Autograph letter signed (“M. Glinka”), in Italian and French, 1 page (5 x 9.25 in.; 127 x 235 mm.), undated; mounting remnants on top recto, not affecting any text.

In need of a symphony by Beethoven.

The Russian composer writes in full: Dearest maestro! Send me (if this is possible) by Gustave the 4th Symphony of Beethoven. M. Glinka.

Glinka stands as the first Russian composer to gain wide recognition within his own country, and is often regarded as the fountainhead of Russian classical music. His compositions had an important influence on future Russian composers, notably the members of The Five––a circle of composers who met in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in the years 1856–1870: Mily Balakirev, César Cui, Modest Mussorgsky, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Alexander Borodin––who took Glinka’s lead and produced a distinctive Russian style of music.

Manuscript material by Glinka is exceedingly rare.
$3,000 - $5,000