WIENIAWSKI, HENRYK. (1835-1880). Polish-Jewish violin virtuoso and composer. ALS. With two AMusQs. (“Hri Wieniawski”). 2pp. 8vo. London, November 7, 1859. To Silas (Possibly Dutch composer, EDOUARD SILAS, 1827-1909). In French with translation.

“I am suffering terribly from headaches, and that is the reason that prevented me from coming to see you. Your Variation is very playable, with the exception of the passage [musical quotation], which becomes especially difficult on the 4th time, seeing that the distances of a tenth are too great in the first position. As for the cadenza, mark it with natural sounds [musical quotation]. The passage in double staccato seems risky to me. Of 100 violinists, there will be two who will do it badly, and 98 who will not even try it at all. Please excuse my scrawl, but really I have such a headache that I can hardly see clearly. I hope to be able to go to shake your hand one of these days, and while waiting, accept this expression of my sincere friendship...”

Wieniawski left Poland after his first public performance at the age of seven. Through the efforts of his supporters he was admitted to the Paris Conservatoire, despite rules that would have prevented an acceptance due to his age and nationality. Remarkably, by the age of 11, Wieniawski became the youngest graduate in the Conservatoire’s history. He performed around the world and was compared to the great Paganini and, like Paganini, Wieniawski’s compositions (many now lost) highlighted his virtuosic talent. Wieniawski resided in London from 1858-1859 and greatly expanded his repertoire, performing with groups like the Beethoven Quartet Society. It was during this period that Wieniawski fell in love with Isabella Hampton for whom he wrote his famous Légende, which is reputed to have persuaded her father to allow their marriage. In fact, in November 1859, around the time of our letter, he wrote to his manager in Brussels, “I don’t know whether you have heard that I wish to marry a young English woman whom I love more deeply than the finest Stradivarius or Guarneri,” (“Henryk Wieniawski 1835-1880: Life and Creation,” Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society of Poznan website, www.wieniawski.com/life_and_creation.html). The International Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition, created in his honor, is among the most prestigious prizes for violinists.

Silas was a pupil of Fromenthal Halévy and a friend of Hector Berlioz who lived and worked as an organist and as a professor of harmony at the Guildhall School of Music. His compositions include works for chorus, organ, piano, and several chamber works for piano, violin and cello.

Written on recto and verso of a single sheet and signed with an elaborate paraph. Some slight browning at the edges, with the blank, formerly cojoined leaf bearing the ink stamp of Chicago surgeon and autograph collector Dr. Max Thorek (See lot 406 in the 1960 Parke-Bernet sale of Thorek’s collection). In fine condition and scarce.