Glazunov, Aleksandr Konstantinovich, (1865-1936)

a charming letter providing him with information concerning Russian choruses, describing four by Mussorgsky, including Josué ('a true masterpiece [trans.]'), seven by Cui, and three choral fragments from the unfinished opera Rogdana by Dargomïzhsky ("Its spirit is very poetical and the musical ideas contain a great deal of freshness") suggesting that, should those not content him, he might resort to choruses taken from operas, warning him that the Russian texts of the choruses he has mentioned have not yet been translated into French; in a postscript, Glazunov informs him that Borodin's quartet has recently appeared in a transcription for four hands, published by Büttner ("...Tous les quatre coeurs [sic] [of Mussorgsky] méritent une grande attention, surtout le premier, qui est un vrai chef-d'oeuvre de l'autheur...")

3 pages, 8vo (21 x 13.5cm), later pencil note to first page ("Addressed to Jules Massenet From the estate of Massenet"), no place, 28 November 1886, corner of second leaf folded down

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A GOOD LETTER FROM ONE GREAT LATE NINETEENTH-CENTURY COMPOSER TO ANOTHER.