by Isabella Stewart Gardner (1840 - 1924)

From Isabella Stewart Gardner to Bernard Berenson
 (Sung text for setting by S. Wheeler)
 Matches original text
Language: English 
July 19, 1896
Dear Berenson,
When comes my Titian, my Rape of Europa? I am feverish about it. Do come over,
just to unpack her and set her up in her new shrine! Do!
August 25
She has come!! Europa has come! She has come! I was just cabling you to ask
what could be the matter, when she arrived, safe and sound. She is now in place.
I have no words! I am too excited to talk.
September 19
Dear Berenson,
I am breathless about the Europa, even yet! I am back here tonight after a two
days’ orgy. The orgy was drinking myself drunk with Europa, thinking and
dreaming about her. Mr. Shaw, Mr. Hooper, Dr. Bigelow, and many painters have
dropped before her. Many came with “grave doubts”; many came to scoff; but all
wallowed at her feet. One painter, a general skeptic, couldn’t speak for the tears!
all of joy!!!
Sincerely yours,
Isabella S. Gardner

Composition:

    Set to music by Scott Wheeler (b. 1952), "From Isabella Stewart Gardner to Bernard Berenson", 2011, first performed 2011 [ soprano, tenor, baritone, and piano ], from Isabella Letters, no. 3, Scott Wheeler Music

Text Authorship:

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Researcher for this page: Eric Saroian

This text was added to the website: 2022-05-25
Line count: 18
Word count: 159