Letter 2964a

Tchaikovsky Research
Date 4/16 June 1886
Addressed to Pauline Viardot
Where written Paris
Language French
Autograph Location unknown [1]
Publication Tchaikovsky Research Bulletin No. 1 (February 2011), p. 48-49 (extracts only, with English translation)
Чайковский. Новые материалы к творческой биографии (2013), p. 328 (extracts only; with Russian translation, p. 328-329)

Text and Translation

This incomplete text is based on the extract published in Stargardt's 1979 auction catalogue [2], which may contain differences in formatting and content from Tchaikovsky's original letter.

French text
(original)
English translation
By Luis Sundkvist
[...]

J'ai été bien désolé en apprenant que c'est hier que Vous aviez fait mettre un couvert pour moi à Votre table, tandis que c'est Vendredi que je me promettais l'extrême plaisir de diner chez Vous [...] J'aurais bien envie de Vous expliquer pourquoi j'ai la présomption de croire que la faute de tout ce malentendu n'est pas à moi, — mais je n'ose pas. Je me mets donc à Vos pieds et Vous demande simplement pardon [...]

Mais certainement, Madame, — cela me réjouirait beaucoup et je ne sais vraiment comment Vous exprimer toute ma reconnaissance pour la bonté que Vous avez de songer à me faire plaisir [...]

[...]

I was very aggrieved to learn that it was yesterday that you had a place laid for me at your table, for Friday was the day that I was looking forward to the extreme pleasure of dining at your house [...] I would very much like to explain to you why I have the presumption to believe that the fault of this misunderstanding lies not with me, but I do not dare to do so. I therefore throw myself at your feet and ask you simply to forgive me [...]

But of course, Madame — that would delight me very much, and I truly do not know how to convey to you all my gratitude for your kindness in seeking to do nice things for me [3] [...]

Notes and References

  1. The autograph was auctioned in 1979 by J. A. Stargardt, Marburg.
  2. J. A. Stargardt, Autographen aus allen Gebieten (Marburg, 1979), item no. 966.
  3. Here Tchaikovsky is responding to his correspondent's question as to whether he would like to take part in a 'musical game'.