French operatic baritone (1848–1923) who enjoyed an international reputation as a great singing actor. Uncommon ALS in French, signed “Vr. Maurel,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.25 x 7, August 15, 1897. Written from "5 rue de Logelbach" in Paris, a letter to Mr. Litta, in part (translated): "Monsieur Strakosele told me today that you were going to Spa to perform two concerts. He told me that he has kept you abreast of the difficulties he encountered with regard to the hiring of the halls; the managers wanted to hold a knife to his throat. He sent them on their way, and now they are returning. So that represents a loss of two weeks. It's very annoying, but not surprising. Your letter is very kind, and I am very pleased to see that you belong among the true artists…I am going to spend a week at the Royal Hotel, and I hope to meet Alfred Mortier there. Couldn't you arrange to join us? Right on the spot and within a few days we could work out a good libretto, and as you correctly state, we could return in the spring with a theatrical work which we could stage immediately." Maurel adds a pair of postscripts, with one on the first page: "I have written an article about Wagner and Bayreuth. It will appear on Wednesday in the Le Gaulois. Read it. I believe you will find it interesting." In fine condition. Accompanied by an English translation.