PIŠEK, Jan Křtitel 1814-1873

Autograph letter signed to "My esteemed Mr. Benedict" [likely conductor Julius Benedict]

3 pp. of a bifolium. Octavo. Dated Bath Hotel, June 10, 1863. On letterhead with Pišek's small oval embossed monogram to upper left corner. In German (with translation).

Pišek has had to cancel several concert engagements due to a family wedding, and send regrets that he will not be able to participate in Benedict's anniversary concert in London. He plans to return in April of 1864 for the season "in order to make up for what I could not fulfill this time." He wishes Benedict "all the best and great success" with his concert, and says "I would like to ask you to compose another scene for me when you feel like it, and to send it to me in Germany, so that next year I can perform it for the English concert goers."

Slightly worn and browned; creased at folds with some short splits; small stain not affecting legibility; several small tears.

A Bohemian baritone, "Pišek’s voice was rich and expressive over a range of two octaves, and his use of the mezza voce and falsetto was particularly admired. Some critics considered his singing mannered and his acting artificial and exaggerated. Berlioz (Mémoires), however, had a very high opinion of his talents, and considered him ‘perhaps the greatest dramatic singer of the age’. He was also a talented pianist and a composer of songs." Jennifer Spencer and Elizabeth Forbes in Grove Music Online.

Item #20399

Price: $150.00  other currencies