Shelley, Harry Rowe Dvořák, Antonín

35 Union Sq. NY City Feb, 1904 Dear Doctor Dvorak Greeting to you after these many years. I hope that you are well and happy, and busy with your composition pen. I have been busy + have written another opera, two acts, Japanese subject. The music is all melody, no Wagner and is like Cavalleria Faust Trumpeter + C in caliber, but it is mine in style. Can I get it produced anywhere in Bohemia? I do not care how small the place or the theatre; for if it pleased in a small town it would please in a larger city. It is, not a fraud opera, and would not require much money to produce it on the stage, as there are but two scenes necessary. The music is sincere and not cheap, although it is simple + easy to sing. There has already been a copyright performance in London, Victoria Hall. The libretto is fine in English + would translate well: the subject, being Japanese, might interest the Bohemians, because my music is characteristic of the Orient. If you care to interest yourself, it will do me a great favor. Can you advise me in the matter? With sincere regards, I remain, Your pupil Harry Rowe Shelley

informs AD of completing his own opera, asks if it could be staged in Bohemia, characterises the work, performance conditions

Pen