Letter 4866

Tchaikovsky Research
Date 16/28 February 1893
Addressed to Růžena Vykoukalová-Bradáčová
Where written Moscow
Language French
Autograph Location unknown
Publication Divadelní listy (20 October 1902), p. 22 (facsimile)
П. И. Чайковский. Полное собрание сочинений, том XVII (1981), p. 44
Notes Original incorrectly dated "28 February" [N.S.]

Text and Translation

French text
(original)
English translation
By Brett Langston
28 Février 1893
Klin, près Moscou

Chère et bonne Mademoiselle!

Je ne sais comment Vous remercier pour le magnifique cadeau que Vous avez eu la bonté de me faire. Il éternisera pour moi le souvenir de Votre magistrale éxecution du rôle de la Contesse dans la "Dame de Pique". Je baise Vos mains et suis Votre dévoué et reconnaissant serviteur.

P. Tschaikovsky

28 February 1893
Klin [1], near Moscow

Dear and good Mademoiselle!

I do not know how to thank you for the magnificent gift you have had the kindness to give me [2]. It will immortalise for me the memory of your superb execution of the role of the Countess in "The Queen of Spades". I kiss your hands and am your devoted and grateful servant.

P. Tchaikovsky

Notes and References

  1. On this date Tchaikovsky was actually on a short visit to Moscow.
  2. Růžena Vykoukalová-Bradáčová performed the role of the Countess at the first production of The Queen of Spades at the National Theatre in Prague on 30 September/12 October 1892, which was attended by the composer. In response to his request, the singer sent Tchaikovsky six photographs showing performing the role of the Countess, with the inscription "А Monsieur Cajkovsky, compositeur du grand oeuvre l'opera "Пиковая дама" de son admiratrise Ruzena Vykoukalova, membre de l'opera National а Prague, qui avait eu lа chance de pouvoir interpreter le rôlе de la Comtesse. Prague, 18-7/2-93».