Lays, Francois - Autograph Letter Signed 1830

French baritone and tenor (1758-1831).

Rare and important autograph letter in French (untranslated) signed by him, dated October 20, 1830, where he addresses Louis-Denis Grégoire, secretary to the composer Jean-François Lesueur:

“…je m’empresse de répondre à votre lettre du 18 ct. par laquelle vous vous m’annoncez que vous et mon ami Lesueur avez fait toutes les démarches nécessaires pour me faire obtenir une pensione de retraite pour mes services à la chapelle (…) je vais m’empresser de vous envoyer la petition courte et précise que vous me demandez. L’idée que vous me donnez, de m’adresser directement au Roi est excellente…”.

Lays was recruited by the Paris Opéra in 1779. He soon became a leading member of the company, despite quarrels with the management. Lays enthusiastically welcomed the French Revolution and became involved in politics with the encouragement of his friend Bertrand Barère. Barère's downfall led to Lays being imprisoned briefly, but he soon won back the public and secured the patronage of Napoleon, at whose coronation and second wedding he sang. This association with the Emperor caused him trouble when the Bourbon monarchy was restored and Lays's final years were darkened by disputes over his pension, mounting debts, the death of his only son and his wife's illness. After a career spanning more than four decades, he died in poverty. 

Open size is 10 x 8.1 inches, three written page in one folded sheet, folds, creaes, some rust stains, punched hole, in overall very good condition.