LAURITZ MELCHIOR - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 200081

LAURITZ MELCHIOR
His signed, handwritten letter to a friend discusses two successful hunting trips and being made a Chocktaw Indian Chief.
Autograph Letter signed: "Lauritz Melchior", 2 pages, 5½x8½. No place, 1956 September 22. On personal letterhead to "Dear Benevento!" In full: "Thanks for covers they are always welcome. On the On the 'One Shot Hunt' Lander Wy. I got 2 antelopes, and was raised to Chief of the Chockdaw Indians and given a wonderful headdress. Kleinchen was with me and we had a fine time. Nov 3 she and I go out for a deer hunt not too far from L.A. I am invited. Went Dove shooting the other day and got 40, the limit. Hoping you are having a pleasant time and perhaps we shall see you soon in N.Y. I am looking at a TV show so that we can be in N.Y. Nov. 3 for a Guards party at the Liederkranz. Best wishes to you and your friends from you old Tenor friend." Originally a baritone and later a heroic tenor, noted thereafter for his Wagnerian roles. Melchior (1890-1973) made his major opera debut with the Copenhagen Royal Opera in 1913. He was the first operatic tenor to sing on radio, appearing in comedy and variety programs as well as operas. A frequent performer at New York's Metropolitan Opera from 1926 until his retirement from the opera stage in 1950, and continued to appear in films and radio and in touring performances. Melchior had a lifelong love of hunting. Kleinchen Melchior, Lauritz's second wife, was also his business manager for most of his career. Fine condition.