HAYDN JOSEPH (1732-1809)

Lot 198
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Estimation :
25000 - 30000 EUR
Result with fees
Result : 26 000EUR
HAYDN JOSEPH (1732-1809)
LA.S. "Josephus Haydn mppria", Estoras[Esterháza (Hungary)] July 15, 1783, to Charles-Georges BOYER, "au Magazin de musique" in Paris; 2 pages in-4, address with postal marks and red wax stamp; in German. Important letter on the sale of three Symphonies. The letter is addressed to the Parisian music publisher Charles-Georges Boyer, who was just starting his activity, had asked Haydn for exclusive unpublished works. This is Haydn's first known letter to a foreign publisher: he shows himself to be a wise businessman, taking various pretexts for not signing a contract that would bind him, but proposing to sell to Boyer his three recent Symphonies (Nos. 76, 77, and 78), written in 1782 for England, assuring him that they will sell very well!] He did receive Boyer's letter, but doubted he could satisfy his request. His contract with his Prince[Esterhazy] forbids him to send his own manuscripts abroad, because he keeps them for himself. Haydn could certainly make 2 scores of each work, but he doesn't have the time, and he doesn't see why he would do it; when a piece is copied properly and correctly, it can be given more quickly to engraving. 2° We can have faith in our word, rather than in a piece of paper. Last year he composed 3 superb, magnificent and undoubtedly too long symphonies for 2 violins, viola, bass, 2 horns, 2 oboes, 1 flute, 1 bassoon, but all very easy and not too concertante, for these gentlemen the English. He intended to take them there and produce them himself; but a certain circumstance prevented this project, and he is therefore ready to give up these 3 Symphonies. No one has them yet; so let Boyer tell Haydn what he is offering him, because in his situation he will only deliver his works to the person who will pay best. That said, he assures Boyer that these 3 Symphonies will be a great start for him... He is waiting for his answer. "Hoch, und wohl gebohrner Insonders Hoch zu verEhrender Herr! Dero werthes v. 2tn J
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