![Balfe, Michael William. (1808–1870) [& Kean, Charles. (1811-1868)] Autograph Letter Signed to Charles Kean - "I cannot resist the pleasure"](http://www.schubertiademusic.com/cdn/shop/files/Balfe_MichaelWilliam_Kean_ALSresistthepleasure21712a.jpg?v=1728679057)
![Balfe, Michael William. (1808–1870) [& Kean, Charles. (1811-1868)] Autograph Letter Signed to Charles Kean - "I cannot resist the pleasure"](http://www.schubertiademusic.com/cdn/shop/files/Balfe_MichaelWilliam_Kean_ALSresistthepleasure21712b.jpg?v=1728679072)
Balfe, Michael William. (1808–1870) [& Kean, Charles. (1811-1868)]. Autograph Letter Signed to Charles Kean - "I cannot resist the pleasure".
ALS from the Irish composer, best-remembered for his opera The Bohemian Girl, to actor Charles Kean (1811-1868). [London] Queens Hotel, March 13, 1857. 3 pp. Balfe expresses his enthusiasm after reading a review of Kean's new production of Shakespeare's Richard II at the Princess's Theatre, which had opened on March 12, 1857, in the Times.
In full: "My dear Kean, I cannot resist the pleasure of sitting down to congratulate you on last night's hit. The Times did you but justice. I am sure, I was not there, having been confined to my room with a bad cold for three days. What pleased me most was the praise bestowed on your acting, you deserve everything from the Public, the Press, and artists who love their profession and are prod of it. Bravo, bravo, go on and prosper and do not be astonished at this little 'outbursting' of my feelings towards you. Kind regards to Mrs. Kean. Believe me, yours very sincerely W.M. Balfe." Bifolium with leaves split and reattached using paper and plastic tape. 9 x 7 inches (22.7 x 18.2 cm) opened.
The Irish-born actor/manager, Charles Kean - son of Edmund Kean (1787-1833), the famous tragedian - first achieved popular success in 1838, playing Shakespearean roles. His popularity was helped by his leading lady, Ellen Tree (1805-1880) whom he married in 1842. In 1848 Queen Victoria appointed him director of the Windsor Christmas theatricals, a post which he held until 1858. Kean took the lease of the Princess's Theatre in 1850, and during the next ten years alternated Shakespeare with popular pieces.
Balfe, Michael William. (1808–1870) [& Kean, Charles. (1811-1868)]. Autograph Letter Signed to Charles Kean - "I cannot resist the pleasure".
ALS from the Irish composer, best-remembered for his opera The Bohemian Girl, to actor Charles Kean (1811-1868). [London] Queens Hotel, March 13, 1857. 3 pp. Balfe expresses his enthusiasm after reading a review of Kean's new production of Shakespeare's Richard II at the Princess's Theatre, which had opened on March 12, 1857, in the Times.
In full: "My dear Kean, I cannot resist the pleasure of sitting down to congratulate you on last night's hit. The Times did you but justice. I am sure, I was not there, having been confined to my room with a bad cold for three days. What pleased me most was the praise bestowed on your acting, you deserve everything from the Public, the Press, and artists who love their profession and are prod of it. Bravo, bravo, go on and prosper and do not be astonished at this little 'outbursting' of my feelings towards you. Kind regards to Mrs. Kean. Believe me, yours very sincerely W.M. Balfe." Bifolium with leaves split and reattached using paper and plastic tape. 9 x 7 inches (22.7 x 18.2 cm) opened.
The Irish-born actor/manager, Charles Kean - son of Edmund Kean (1787-1833), the famous tragedian - first achieved popular success in 1838, playing Shakespearean roles. His popularity was helped by his leading lady, Ellen Tree (1805-1880) whom he married in 1842. In 1848 Queen Victoria appointed him director of the Windsor Christmas theatricals, a post which he held until 1858. Kean took the lease of the Princess's Theatre in 1850, and during the next ten years alternated Shakespeare with popular pieces.