MASSENET Jules (1842-1912). 24 L.A.S. "J. Massenet", "J.M.", "M." or initials (2 unsigned), 1887-[1912], to his daughter JULIETTE or his son-in-law, Léon BESSAND; 58 pages in various formats, most with envelopes. September 15, 1887: "There is on my table a packet of proofs that goes as high as the Eiffel Tower! - It is Werther's orchestral parton. Here is more work after M. Magdeleine & Don César. - Yesterday, Mr. Ritt (who entrusted me with his memories) spoke to me about an opera to write "... 23 September 1887: his emotion at Juliette 's engagement ... 20 January 1888: tonight, premiere of Don César in Geneva; the premiere of Manon in The Hague is scheduled for 28... 31 January: Manon has been in trouble: "We'll play on Thursday - but in what condition!? - However the rehearsals were so brilliant. Ovations from the orchestra - success; applause - everything pointed to a BIG SUCCESS. And then: the work handed in after a sore throat! "... Wednesday 8 [February]: great emotion after reading the article in Le Figaro: "I had to conduct Manon's 2de under these conditions! "... 10 February: satisfied with Holland "but broken! " He is delighted with the great success of Miss Sanderson at Wednesday's concert ( Romeo'