Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Concerning the staging of his operas in Brussels, Rimsky-Korsakov stresses that it is "premature to talk about it, because the theater has not yet passed under the directorate of Kufferath". Additionally, the librettos would have to be translated "which depends on the publishers (Belaieff and Bessel)". In closing, Rimsky-Korsakov promises to "see to it that Belaieff" sends Delines "the scores of his operas that he does not know yet" but declines a visit in Paris due to his aforementioned obligations. - Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov first met Michel Delines in the summer of 1889 when he conducted two concerts on the occasion of the World Exhibition. Delines, born as Mikhael Osipovich Ashkenazi (1851-1914), had been active in revolutionary circles in Odessa and went to exile in 1878, eventually settling in Paris. There he made a name for himself as a journalist and as a promoter and translator of Russian literature, including works of Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky. In 1888, Delines was introduced to Tchaikovsky and subsequently started to promote Russian music in his new home. He translated the libretto of Yevgeny Onegin and made its French premiere in Nice in 1895 possible. As the beautiful letter shows, Delines was also eager to promote Rimsky-Korsakov's music in the francophone world. The composer appreciated Delines' efforts, including a translation of his opera Sadko. In his autobiography, Rimsky-Korsakov has warm words for the journalist: "We also made the acquaintance of Michel Delines, subsequently translator of Onyegin and of my Sadko. With the exception of Delines, all these acquaintanceships proved most superficial. [...] Delines was a kind man, danced attendance upon us, aided us in many things" (My Musical Life, New York 1945, pp. 303 f.). - On stationery with lithogr. letterhead of the "Hotel Metropole Bruxelles". Traces of folds. With minor tears to the vertical fold..