Edward Taylor an Louis Spohr in London

6 Queens Place
Upper Thames S.¹
July 19 1852

My dear & honoured Friend

I enjoyed the very great pleasure on Saturday night of having Faust for the first time, although its many & great beauties have long been familiar to me. You had a fine orchestra under your command – not only able but anxious to do their duty.
I was in a Box near the orchestra, & many of the performers came to me to express their gratification at having to play your music, instead of the trumpery, noisy French Operas which are so frequently brought out.
I trust that this is but the commencement of an introduction of your Operas into this country, for I cannot consider the libretto of Faust as well adapted to the English taste. We are not so fond of demons & devils as, perhaps, your countryman are. But this circumstance increases your triumph. My own opinion is that Jessonda & Azor & Zemira would be more successful than Faust, abundant as it is in glorious music.
You had two other obstacles to contend with at the present time. The great heat of the weather, which has emptied every Theatre, and the excitement consequent upon the Elections, which has dispersed our Aristocracy all over the kingdom, and they are the chief frequenters of Italian Operas.
In inclose the agreement² which M^r. Gye gave me, and am, with best compliments to Madame Spohr,

My dear Friend
Yours with the truest esteem
Edw. Taylor