![MENDELSSOHN-BARTHOLDY, Felix (1809-1847). Autograph letter signed ('Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy') to an unidentified recipient [possibly Sarah Austin], 103 Great Portland Street, London, n.d. [probably 1832], in English, 'Excuse my not being able to come this evening; a letter which I received a few hours ago communicated me the death of the oldest & dearest friend I had, & this loss makes me quite unfit to go to any party, as I would not be able to enjoy it', one page, 8vo (minor soiling), laid onto an album leaf, with two other items. Provenance: the leaf is from the autograph album of Sarah Austin's great-niece, Hope Fairfax Taylor (for which see lot 218).](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2011/CSK/2011_CSK_03013_0240_000(mendelssohn-bartholdy_felix_autograph_letter_signed_to_an_unidentified121759).jpg?w=1)
Details
MENDELSSOHN-BARTHOLDY, Felix (1809-1847). Autograph letter signed ('Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy') to an unidentified recipient [possibly Sarah Austin], 103 Great Portland Street, London, n.d. [probably 1832], in English, 'Excuse my not being able to come this evening; a letter which I received a few hours ago communicated me the death of the oldest & dearest friend I had, & this loss makes me quite unfit to go to any party, as I would not be able to enjoy it', one page, 8vo (minor soiling), laid onto an album leaf, with two other items. Provenance: the leaf is from the autograph album of Sarah Austin's great-niece, Hope Fairfax Taylor (for which see lot 218).
The reference is probably to Mendelssohn's close friend, childhood teacher and mentor Carl Friedrich Zelter (1758-1832), news of which caused the composer to return early to Berlin during his visit to London for the first performance of the Hebrides Overture.
The reference is probably to Mendelssohn's close friend, childhood teacher and mentor Carl Friedrich Zelter (1758-1832), news of which caused the composer to return early to Berlin during his visit to London for the first performance of the Hebrides Overture.
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