MALIBRAN MARIA: (1808-1836) Spanish Mezzo-Soprano. One of the most best-known opera singers of ...

MALIBRAN MARIA: (1808-1836) Spanish Mezzo-Soprano. One of the most best-known opera singers of the 19th century for her dramatic performances and her extraordinary voice. She became a legendary figure after her very early death at the age of 28. Rare and lengthy A.L.S., `Maria´, also signed to the second page `Mme Malibran´, one page and two lines, written to second and third page, unusual large 8 x 11 letter, n.p., n.d., [Brussels, 18th March 1832], to Louis Viardot, in French. To the first page, A.L. by DE BERIOT CHARLES AUGUSTE (1802-1870) Belgian Violinist. Second husband of opera Singer Maria Malibran. A.L., one page, written to the first page, 8 x 11, n.p., n.d., `Dimanche´, to Louis Viardot, in French. Both Maria Malibran and her husband Charles de Beriot refer to their forthcoming joint theater performance, De Beriot states in part `Votre seconde lettre est venue fort à propos..., car moi qui aime a suivre vos avis je commençais déjà à user de mon influence sur Maria pour l’engager à accepter la première proposition. Elle persistait toujours dans la réponse négative, et je crois aujourd’hui, toutes reflexions faites, qu’elle a raison. Il est temps de changer de climat, et de se reposer un peu à Paris, j’entends au Théâtre Italien. Car je crois que malgré tous nos projets de voyage nous ne pourrons ni l’un ni l’autre rester longtems éloignés de la capitale...´ (Translation: "Your second letter arrived very timely..., because I, who like to follow your advice, was already beginning to use my influence on Maria to encourage her to accept the first proposal. She always persisted in the negative answer, and I believe today, after all reflections, that she is right. It’s time to change climate, and rest a little in Paris, I mean at the Italian Theater. Because I believe that despite all our travel plans, neither of us will be able to stay away from the capital for long.") Further, and to the second and third page, Maria Malibran states in part `Quoi que je soie la plus grande paresseuse qu’il y ait sous la calotte du ciel... je vous écris en ce moment tout bonnement pour avoir le plaisir de causer un moment avec le martyr de nous tous – Vous ; autrement dit – Samedi prochain Mme Malibran et Mr de Bériot se feront entendre dans un Concert donné par eux au Grand Théâtre, on dit qu’il y aura beaucoup de monde. C’est une nouvelle qui court. Seconde nouvelle on dit que nous aurons la paix. 3me nouvelle, décidément je ferai venir mes meubles de Paris – 6eme nouvelle... renouvellée des Grecs... Voilà tout ce qu’il y a de nouveau... J’ai dans la rue blanche une robe de mousseline des indes avec des raies d´or, un autre en crèpe blanc brodé en satin, et au Théâtre une robe noire en velours que j’ai porté à mon bénéfice – Si Virginie pouvait m’envoyer de suite ces trois objets pour que je puisse les reçevoir Samedi dans la journée, je mettrais une des deux robes… Voulez vous lui dire celà ?...´ (Translation: "Although I am the biggest lazy person under the sky's cap... I am writing to you at this moment simply to have the pleasure of chatting for a moment with the martyr of us all - You; in other words – Next Saturday Mme Malibran and Mr de Bériot will perform in a Concert given by them at the Grand Théâtre, it is said that there will be a lot of people. This is breaking news. Second news they say that we will have peace. 3rd news, definitely I will bring my furniture from Paris - 6th news... renewed from the Greeks...[referring to the Treaty of Constantinople which ends the Greek War of Independence]. That's all the news... I have at the white street a muslin dress from India with gold stripes, another in white crepe embroidered in satin, and at the Theater a black velvet dress that I wore for my benefit - If Virginie could send me these three ones straight away so that I can receive them on Saturday during the day, I would wear one of the two dresses... Would you like to tell her that?...") A very good content and unusual letter, written by Maria Malibran and her husband Charles de Beriot. With address leaf, bearing few postmarks and remnants of a former red wax seal. G

Louis Viardot (1800-1883) French Writer, art Historian, art Critic and theatrical Parisian figure. He contributed to the development of Russian and Spanish literature in France.