DE RESZKE JEAN: (1850-1925) Polish Tenor. A.L.S., Jean de Reszke, four pages, 8vo, London, 16th June 1888, to a friend, in French. In a lengthy and interesting letter and on the printed stationery of the Continental Hotel in London, De Reszke responds to his correspondent´s letter stating `Your letter increases my regrets at having to tell you that Harris insists more than ever, and I strongly doubt that he will let us stay in Paris for the Exposition, because earning a lot since we arrived, he is making gigantic projects for the next season´. The tenor mentions their contract and expresses how hard up they feel and regrets having signed it. Further referring to the performances `I sing four times a week, we have performed twice L´Africaine, twice Faust (Lassalle is a splendid Valentin), once The Huguenots and tonight I will tackle Lohengrin. I am going to sing shortly Un Ballo and Romeo for the end of season.´. Later complaining `Women as always insufficient - even Nordica disappears in this big theater, her voice is not well, I do not recommend her anymore.´ De Reszke refers to many other female singers such as Melba, mentioning their poor performances, including comments for two impresarios, stating `..they have acted like pigs, after having all agreed with me and having given their word, they waited till I left to immediately after offering new conditions to these women who lost their heads...´. And ends with a postscript related to his explanations `Who will be Juliette?´. A letter of good association and excellent content. VG. £150-200

Jean Lasalle (1847-1909) French Baritone.

Lillian Nordica (1857-1914) American Soprano.

Nellie Melba (1861-1931) Australian Soprano. €190 - 260