G. ROSSINI. AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED ("ROSSINI"), TO THE COMPOSER JULIUS BENEDICT IN LONDON, 6 MAY 1865

A letter of introduction for the pianist Mademoiselle Paule Gayrard; Rossini praises the granddaughter of the publisher Antonio Pacini as a first-class pianist, whose talents and merits will surely find favour in England, where she is travelling with her mother (“...Melle Paule Gayrard, della quale vi parlai nel vostro troppo breve soggiorno in Parigi, sarà porgitrice di questa mia, essa è una Pianista di Prima Classe e meritevole delle vostre e mia sollecitudine…”); Rossini also expresses the wish that Benedict might come to Paris again and perform his music (“...vorrei che i  Parigini avessero una occasione per ben conoscervi ed’ applaudirvi…”) 2 pages, 4to (c.22 x 17cm), black ink, watermark ("Lacroix Frères"), integral leaf with autograph address panel (“Monsieur Benedict. Compositeur de musique tres Distingué”), Paris, 6 May 1865, crease to left-hand margin, otherwise fine and clean

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."

The carrier of this letter, Paule Aurore Gayrard (born 1843), won the first piano prize at the Paris Conservatoire in 1864. She was the granddaughter of Antonio Pacini (1778-1866), daughter of the sculptor Raymond Gayrard (1807-1855) and of Antonio’s daughter Eudoxie, who evidently accompanied her on her visit to London.  Paule Gayrard continued to perform in London and, during a recital tour in 1877, she sold some autograph manuscripts by Rossini to the British Museum, containing pieces her grandfather had published, including “Un giorno si bello, Noturno a 3 voci”, now British Library, Add.Ms 30246.