Item Info

Accession Number: 80-1546
Physical Description: [3] pages
Material: paper
Transcription:

Tavistock House, Tavistock Square
                Thirtieth March 1852
My Dear Sir
                I am going to ask you to do the Guild a service which no man can better render it, or be (I am inclined to think) more willing to render it, than you.
                You remember the dark lady of Deadman’s lane in our Comedy? I have observed, in acting to great audiences, that the effect of her appearance would be immensely increased, if there were a very low mysterious strain of music just breathed by the orchestra whenever she appears. I would have it always the same strain, and I would connect it with her all through the play, to where I am waiting behind the chair in the last Scene, and where Mr. Lemon goes out to be reunited to her. It should be “spoken through”, as on the French stage, and played Pianissimo.
                Now will you compose such a strain for us – a few bars merely, to be repeated as long as necessary – a something expressive of the memory of old joys and a broken home? &c &c It needn’t be longer than a Theatrical “Hurry” – but it will tell wonderfully; I saw at Manchester, clearly, what the effect would be. If you will do me such a thing within the next fortnight or so, and let me have it in parts for such instruments as you would like to play it, you will really oblige me inexpressibly.
                We act at Shrewsbury on the 10th. of May, and at Birmingham on the 12th. and 13th. Is there any chance of your being able to go?
                Faithfully Yours
                Charles Dickens
C. Coote Esquire.

MssDate: Thirtieth March 1852
Media Type: Letters
Source: Rare Book Department
Recipient: Coote, Charles, 1809-1880
Provenance: Christie Sale, 22 Oct 80, Lot 138 through Maggs. Gratz Fund.

Bibliography:

Volume 6, p. 632, The Letters of Charles Dickens, edited by Madeline House & Graham Storey ; associate editors, W.J. Carlton … [et al.].

Country: Creation Place Note:Tavistock House, Tavistock Square
Country:England
City/Town/Township:London

Call Number: DL C789 1852-03-30
Creator Name: Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870 - Author