Letter 2964a
| 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] [...] |
