Joseph JOACHIM (1831–1907) Autograph letter, [London], to cellist Charles LEBOUC; 4 pages, in-8; in French. He declines his invitation to play in a quartet with him: “The fact that I myself give chamber music recitals naturally prevents me from committing to playing in quartets elsewhere! There simply wouldn’t be enough time for rehearsals, and I have too much respect for the audience to want to appear exhausted or inadequately prepared!” As for the Conservatory Concerts, he has given them up for the time being: “I would be only too happy to play again with this truly elite orchestra; but for Good Friday, a promise I made to Pasdeloup is binding.” One must contact Giacomelli, to whom he has entrusted his affairs, since he is “almost always on the road”…