Verdi, Giuseppe

to the tenor Emilio Naudin, thanking him for his report about the production Stiffelio in Rome [given as Guglielmo Wellingrode], expressing his regret that the last act was less successful than the first two, since he does not consider it inferior to the others, apologising for not having replied immediately on account of the immense amount work he had at Venice [for the première of Rigoletto], explaining that he now has returned to his lair to resume his usual persona of a bear (“...Ora ritornato nel mio tugurio alla mia vita d'orso eccomi a ringraziarla del gentile pensiero d'avermi dato subito notizia di quest' esito...Spiacciami del terzo atto che non mi sembra inferiore allo altri ma ci vuol pazienza..”), and presenting his compliments to the tenor and his colleagues

1 page, 8vo (c.21 x 13.5cm), Busseto, 18 March 1851, laid down on an albumleaf, along the leaf-hand margin, tears repaired on verso with tape, some staining to corners and creasing along folds

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Verdi here gives an assessment of one of his most imaginative operas, noted for the striking drama of the final third act.  Stiffelio was staged at Trieste on 16 November 1850, but its plot, dealing with religion and adultery, caused great trouble with the censors.  It had to be given with a new plot, called Guglielmo Wellingrode, at Rome, where Emilio Naudin sang the title role on 23 February 1851; Verdi here responds to Naudin's report on its outcome, or perhaps a copy of the review from La fama, which indicated that the final act had met with less success than the others.  Rigoletto was staged at Venice on 11 March 1851, a week before this letter, and was a great popular success.