Norman-Neruda, Wilma. (1838–1911)

"I have asked Mr. Hallé to accompany me..." Autograph Letter Signed

Autograph Letter from the Moravian violinist, the most celebrated female violinist of her time, to "Mr. Chappell". Dated 13 January 1872, 3 pp. of bifolium, 8vo, on letterhead of The Douglas Hotel, Edinburgh. In French. Signed "Wilma Norman Neruda." Usual folds; browned to head; remnants of earlier mounting to blank fourth page. Otherwise very fine. 7.3 x 4.5 inches (18.5 x 11.5 cm).

"I will arrive very late next Saturday, and it is impossible to me to hold a rehearsal with Sir Julius; as the sonata by Nardini is very difficult, I have asked Mr. Hallé to accompany me – I will be a bit less nervous because I have performed with him very often... I hope Sir Julius won't be angry..."

The recipient of the letter is most likely London music publisher Thomas Patey Chappell (1819–1902). "Sir Julius" is Sir Julius Benedict (1804–1885), German-born British composer, conductor and pianist. "Hallé" is Sir Charles Hallé (1819–1895), German-born pianist and composer, who would become Norman-Neruda's second husband in 1888.

"Perhaps the dominating woman violinistic personality of the 19th century was Wilma Maria Francisca Neruda, subsequently known as Norman-Neruda and Lady Hallé, through her marriages to Ludwig Norman and Sir Charles Hallé. Her career was eminently international, and she was often referred to as 'the woman Joachim' (they played the Bach D-minor Double Concerto together in 1892). So reliable an observer as Flesch said: 'She played wholly in Joachim's spirit...although I could not hear a truly personal note, her playing (in three Beethoven sonatas) left an extraordinary profound impression on me.' Hanslick, too, spoke glowingly of her playing as a child: 'notwithstanding the smallness of her hands,' and Vieuxtemps induced her to be concertmistress for a series of orchestral concerts in London. Neruda's career as a soloist was triumphant, and in later years she organized a successful ladies' string quartet." (Henry Roth, "Violin Virtuosos," p. 310) (19801)