1815 Autograph Letter – Early Opera History – Rossini & Sir Henry Bishop References

Offered here is a rare autograph letter signed by S. Glossop de Coloni, almost certainly the celebrated soprano Elizabeth Féron (Madame Glossop), wife of impresario Joseph Glossop. Dated 1815, this finely penned two-page letter (in French) provides a candid glimpse into the turbulent world of early 19th-century opera.

In the letter, Madame Glossop confides her distress over backstage intrigues and “cabals” being stirred up against her. She explicitly names Gioachino Rossini (1792–1868), one of the greatest composers of the era, as well as Sir Henry Rowley Bishop (1786–1855), famed English composer and conductor. She also refers to fellow performers Neumann, Michelli, and Véron, and discusses her reluctance to perform without a suitable duet partner from the Italian theatre or the Grand Opera.

The letter is signed boldly at the conclusion:

“Votre amie, S. Glossop de Coloni.”

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Historical Significance

Elizabeth Féron (Mrs. Glossop) was among the most accomplished sopranos of her time, later associated with the Royal Academy of Music.

Joseph Glossop, her husband, would go on to become the first manager of the Coburg Theatre (later the Old Vic) in London.

References to Rossini and Bishop place this letter squarely in the golden age of early 19th-century opera, when London and Paris vied for continental musical dominance.

Letters from female singers of this era, particularly naming composers of Rossini’s stature, are highly collectible.

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Physical Description

Date: 1815 (noted at top)

Language: French

Format: 2pp on one folded sheet, mounted to a larger backing page

Condition: Light toning, faint folds, otherwise clean and highly legible with full signature