Félix MENDELSSOHN-BARTHOLDY presents his first work to Mr. Schlesinger.

[Felix MENDELSSOHN-BARTHOLDY]

Lea MENDELSSOHN-BARTHOLDY (1777- 1842)

Autographed letter signed to the music publisher, Maurice Schlesinger.

One page in-8° in German and French.

Defects restored. Autographed address and wax seal residue.

Berlin. May 17, 1823.

Beautiful and rare letter written by the mother of the young composer (then aged 14) presenting to Maurice Schlesinger the first work created by her son – quartet for piano-forte, work I – which Mendelssohn-Bartholdy wished to dedicate to Prince Antoni Henryk Radziwiłł.

A moving document bearing witness to the early musical steps of one of the greatest composers of the 19th century.

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"As you wish, I do not hesitate, dear Mr. Schlesinger, to send you the title of the piece of music to be published.

Quartet for piano, violin, vida and bass composed and dedicated to His Highness, Monsignor Prince Antoine Radzivil, Governor General of the Grand Duchy of Posen, by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy. Opus 1.

We rely on your kindness to complete the publication as quickly as possible. Of the three free copies that your father has granted, I ask you to please set aside two for France. For the moment, I am taking the liberty of sending you the addresses along with a few lines of introduction. And if it is not too much trouble, I would be grateful if you could have the third copy printed on vellum paper, which we wish to present to the Prince. With my sincerest wishes for your success, I have the honor to be your servant. L. Mendelssohn-Bartholdy.

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Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy was a musical prodigy. In 1821, at the age of twelve, he composed his first opera for his father's birthday.

In that same year, 1821, he met Goethe, who praised his exceptional virtuosity.

The piano quartet no. 1 in C minor (which is mentioned in the letter presented here) was completed by Mendelssohn-Bartholdy on October 18, 1822 and dedicated to Prince Radziwiłł.

This is the artist's first published work.