Viotti, Giovanni Battista.

Viotti. Autograph letter in English, signed ("JBViotti"), to William Watts of the Philharmonic Society, graciously as "one of the Directors of the ensuing season" on grounds of the "indifferent state of my health" and business concerns, 1 page,4to, integral autograph address leaf,  3 January 1816), Wieniawski. Autograph letter signed ("H. Wieniawski"),  describing his serious illness in London, from which certain newspapers assumed his imminent demise, informing him that his brother the pianist Joseph Wieniawski is shortly to visit Belgium, 3 pages, 8vo, London, 29 September 1876; together with letters by Vieuxtemps, 4 pages, 8vo, Algiers, 24 August 1880, and Sivori, 2 pages, 8vo, Geneva, 21 June 1853

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."

G. B. Viotti (1755-1824) was the most important violinist between Tartini and Paganini. He lived in London for many years, but by the time of this letter, had retired to concentrate on his wine business.  His celebrity led to his being included among the founders of the London Philharmonic Society, but he rarely performed, and only in chamber music.