Hector Berlioz revives Gluck's Alceste at the Opera.

Hector BERLIOZ (1803.1869)

Autographed letter signed.

One page in-8°. [Paris]. November 5 [1861].

Berlioz and the revival of Gluck's Alceste at the Paris Opera.

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"Sir, I am unfortunately unable to send you the tickets you requested for Alceste today . After the first three performances, I am no longer given any. I would be very happy to meet your student. I am almost always there at half past twelve. Yours sincerely, H. Berlioz."

Berlioz held Christoph Willibad Gluck in deep admiration. Throughout his life, he strove to defend the work of his predecessor with unwavering determination: "There are two great superior Gods in our art: Beethoven and Gluck. One reigns over the infinity of thought, the other over the infinity of passion; and, although the former is far superior to the latter as a musician, there is nevertheless so much of one in the other that these two Jupiters are but one God in whom our admiration and respect must be immersed. " (Letter of January 12, 1856 to Theodore Ritter).

In October 1861, his revival of Gluck's Alceste was performed at the Paris Opera. The success was immense, to the great satisfaction of the French composer.