De Choudens, Antoine - Autograph Letter Signed 1857

French music publisher (1825-1888), first publisher of Bizet and Berlioz.

Autograph letter in French signed by him as “Choudens, Editeur Rue St. Honoré 265”, dated in Paris, September 8, 1857, to Francesco Regli (1802-1866): 

"... Having the desire to publish various dramatic works by M. [Felice] Romani (1788-1865) I come to ask you to offer him in my name for each libretto such as Il Pirata, Norma, Beatrice di Tenda, Elisir d'Amore, I Capuleti, Parisina, Sonnambula, La Straniera, etc.; a sum of two hundred francs. Following the example of my colleagues, who have not even indicated the name of the illustrious poet in their editions, I shall be able to publish the libretto mentioned above. But as a matter of principle, I don't want to publish works before I have offered compensation to the author...".

Size is 8.2 x 10.4 inches, 1 written page, folds, creases, some damage over the upper border, in overall good condition.