CHAMPEIN (Stanislas) (1753-1830) - Lot 314

CHAMPEIN (Stanislas) (1753-1830) Composer, conductor, music journalist and director of La Mélomanie, a magazine devoted to music, literature and entertainment. L.A.S. "Champein", Paris, June 22, on La Mélomanie letterhead (23, rue Lepelletier), 1 page in-8 with autograph address and wax seal on verso, addressed to Léon Pillet. Lovely autograph bill illustrating the special relationship between the music press and Parisian theater administrations in the 19th century. Champein first thanks his correspondent: "Je vous remercie de la stalle que vous m'avez fait envoyer, elle est pour moi." Then, true to the customs of the time, he solicits new seats for a performance: "Can you give me one more and two parterre to make largesse to the editorial staff?" This short letter is a vivid testimony to the workings of the specialized press and the constant exchanges between critics, journalists and show managers. The seats offered to newspaper contributors were an essential part of Parisian theatrical life at the time, enabling reports, reviews and publicity for performances. The document is further enhanced by the elegant letterhead of La Mélomanie, an unusual journal today, and by its autograph address to Léon Pillet, an influential figure in the Parisian entertainment world. Champein's well-preserved autograph signature. A charming testimony to the customs of the Parisian musical and theatrical world under the July Monarchy. Condition: good overall; original folds; some scattered foxing; wax stamp preserved on verso.