Giacomo Meyerbeer Collection

This collection contains several letters written by Meyerbeer, 3 single-page music manuscripts, a small number of personal and family papers (some original, some photocopied), and a few short manuscripts about Meyerbeer.

Much of the correspondence consists of letters sent to his wife Minna, his daughters and other family members. A few of the letters deal directly with professional engagements or are directed to colleagues. Filed with the correspondence is an original photograph of Meyerbeer. Of the three music manuscripts, the shortest is dedicated to Doris Löwe, one is identified as "Fragment de la Tragédie Struensee," and the third is a reproduction of a page from the manuscript of "Die Afrikanerin." The third folder of personal and family papers, includes both original materials and photocopies. Among the original items are a signed customs declaration (1844), a poster with an advertisement for a performance of "Der Prophet" (Berlin, 1851), and a death notice for Meyerbeer's wife Minna (1886). In the same folder are photocopies of Meyerbeer's marriage contract, an excerpt from the register of the Jewish community of Berlin (1812), and other photocopied family documents. The final folder contains manuscripts on the importance of Meyerbeer and on the genealogy of his family, with data going back to circa 1500.