RICHARD STRAUSS (1864-1949) Autograph letter signed ‘Dr Richard Strauss’, to Pauline Viardot ‘Hoch geehrte Frau’ (Dear Madam) ABOUT ROSSINI’S ‘IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA’ Charlottenburg [Berlin,] 4 November 1905 [?]

On headed letter-paper. 1 p. In German. 17.9 x 11.4 cm A letter of major interest, addressed to the great French mezzo-soprano Pauline Viardot (1821-1910), whose father Manuel Garcia had created the role of Almaviva in Rossini’s ‘Il barbiere di Siviglia’. ‘...Ich beabsichtige demnächst Rossini’s Barbier möglichst stylrein u. nach Rossini’s Intentionen hier neu einzustudiren...’ Letter informing Viardot of his intention to perform ‘Il barbiere’ and requesting advice concerning the performance of coloratura, asking her whether it would be faithful to the composer’s intentions to perform the work according to the original score or whether Rossini himself used or accepted coloratura versions of the vocal parts by other musicians (especially that of Rosina), such as were first employed by Adelina Patti. Provenance: Formerly in the collection of Martine Le Cesne, Pauline Viardot’s great-great-granddaughter, and her husband André Le Cesne.