Tchaikovsky, Pyotr, (1840-1893)

recalling his promise to give a concert for the Russian Musical Society, noting that when they last spoke he was preoccupied with the rehearsals for Esclarmonde and, uncertain of the reception of the work, was unable to give him a definitive answer, begging him now, seeing that his opera has been a great success, to reply to the director of the Society whether the date of 4 April 1890 will be convenient, stressing repeatedly his earlier promise, asking him to arrange a later date should that not be suitable, reminding him that he gave him permission to announce his arrival in Moscow, which is awaited impatiently ("...Maintenant qu' Esclarmonde est en plein succès et que la Direction de la Société a absolument besoin de savoir au juste quand vous nous ferez l'honneur de venir chez nous, je viens vous rappeller votre promesse...") 

4 pages, 8vo (c.20 x 12.5cm), stationery embossed with the composer's monogram, Moscow 12/24 September 1889

Lettres autographes et correspondances diverses adressées principalement au maître et à Mme Massenet. Paris: Hôtel Drouot, 8 December 1938 (Lot 23)

Tchaikovsky Research Letter no.3933a. Only extracts of the letter are known, from the Massenet sale catalogue: see Tchaikovsky Research Bulletin No. 1 (February 2011), p.46 

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 FINE LETTER FROM ONE GREAT NINETEENTH-CENTURY COMPOSER TO ANOTHER. Only one other letter from Tchaikovsky to Massenet is known, also about Esclarmonde. In the event, despite all Tchaikovsky's entreaties, Massenet did not keep his promise, and it was Édouard Colonne who gave the Russian Musical Society concert on 23 March/4 April 1890.