PAGANINI, Nicolo (1782-1840). Italian violinist and composer.
Autograph Letter Signed in Italian to 'Pregiatissimo Sigr Cavaliere' ('Honoured Sir'), 1 page 8vo on green paper, Newman Street, Oxford Street, 25 April 1833. Submitting his programme for a forthcoming concert, probably in Lancaster.

'Essendo stato graziosamente invitato dalla Società musicale di carità a formare parte dell'armonia nel concerto di venerdi 3. maggio al grand teatro a favore dei poveri filarmonici vedove ed orfanelli avr• l'onore di eseguire il seguente pezzo di musicaSonata sulla preghiera di Pietro L'Eremita, e tema con variazione - il tutto composto ed eseguito sopra una sola corda (La quatrième)
La prego di ordinare che detto pezzo sia annunziata sulli affissi nonchè di inoltrare l'acclusa al Sigr Cavaliere Tho: Hammond. Domani spero di fargli una visita, intanto aggradisca i miei complimenti e le proteste della mia distinta stima e considerazione.
Il suo D[evotissi]mo servitore
N. Paganini
Newman Street
Oxford Street
No 2.'

'Having kindly been invited by the Charitable Musical Society to take part in the concert on Friday 3 May at the Grand Theatre for the benefit of widows and orphans of musicians, I shall be delighted to perform the following piece of music: Sonata on the prayer of Peter the Hermit, with theme and variations, all composed and performed on a single string (the fourth)May I ask you to ensure that this piece is mentioned on the posters, and also to forward the enclosed letter to [?Sir] Thomas Hammond.
I hope to call on him tomorrow, and in the meantime assure you of my esteem
Your most humble servant
N. Paganini'

Paganini made a musical tour of Europe, starting in Vienna, from 1828 onwards, calling at virtually every major city in the principal countries, especially London. The concert to which he refers in this letter is probably that which he gave at the Grand Theatre in Lancaster, one of the oldest theatres in England, in September 1828. It is unlikely, of course, that the concert consisted of only a single piece, played only on the 'E' string of his instrument.
[No: 26284]