Author: Goddard, Arabella. (1836-1922). Concert pianist.
Title: Autograph Letter Signed by Arabella Goddard to Charles Halle.
Description: [London]: July 1st. circa [1865]. [1865]. - 30 words penned in black ink on 2 sides of a 4-sided sheet of cream stock with a half-inch black border on the first side. Signed "Yrs. very truly / Arabella Goddard". There is a light glue mark along the top of the third, blank side & the 4th side is lightly soiled with remnants of gray paper adhering to its right margin where the letter has been removed from an album. Folded once for mailing. Accompanied by a black-and white steel engraved portrait of Goddard dressed in a crinoline & lace shawl. Very good.

This condolence letter represents a wonderful association. It is addressed to Charles Halle [1819-1895], pianist and founder of the Halle Orchestra, who played a series of piano concerts known as "Monday Populars" with Arabella Goddard. A note at the foot of the letter in another hand indicates that Goddard is responding to a request concerning "a testimonial fund". "Dear Mr. Charles Halle / Your letter has grieved me more than I can say, I hasten to enclose a cheque for the services with heartfelt sympathy.."

Arabella Goddard was an English concert pianist who achieved great fame in the second half of the nineteenth century. She was tutored by James William Davison, the influential but strictly conservative music critic for "The Times", whom she later married. She made her debut in 1853, playing Beethoven's "Hammerklavier" Sonata--the first time the work had been performed in England. In 1857 and 1858 she played all the late Beethoven sonatas in London, most of which were still unknown to her audiences. She toured extensively, retiring from performing in 1880. She was appointed to teach at the Royal College of Music in 1883, its first year of operation. Very good .

Keywords: MUSIC; ENGLISH CONCERT PIANIST; ARABELLA GODDARD; CHARLES HALLE; CONDOLENCE LETTER; AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED; ALS; A.L.S.; SIGNATURE; PORTRAIT; NINETEENTH CENTURY; 19TH CENTURY.

See more books from our catalog: Music