Lot 77
  • 77

Verdi, Giuseppe

Estimate
4,000 - 5,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Verdi, Giuseppe
  • Important autograph letter to the librettist Arrigo Boito, signed (“G Verdi”), about Falstaff
  • paper
giving his assessment of the role of Mistress Quickly, explaining that it is difficult to cast as, besides the dramatic demands made on the singer, is also very low-lying, but that this had been inevitable give that there are four female lead roles; Verdi admits that he is making little progress on Falstaff at present, and there are days in which “Il Pancione” [ie Falstaff himself] is in a bad mood and will not budge, whereas at other times he leaps up and makes the devil of a noise all over the place, so he is inclined to leave him be for the time being, sending Boito the best wishes of Barberina and Giuseppina, and wishing he could give him “a good handshake”

3 pages, with the composer's salutation and signature extended onto the 3rd pages, 8vo (18 x 11.5cm), autograph envelope, stamped and franked, St Agata, 12 June 1891

Literature

Carteggio Verdi-Boito, no.173, based on a typed copy: the autograph was not located.

Condition

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."

Catalogue Note

...se avete scoperto una buona Quickly io sono l'uomo più felice della terra.  Quella parte mi dava molto da pensare, che oltre l'interesse scenico, la musica ha una tessitura molto bassa.  Io non ho potuto fare diversamente. Essendo quattro le parti di donne, bisogna bene che almeno una sia bassa...vi sono dei giorni che [Il Panicana] non si muove, dorme, ed è di cattivo umore: altre volte grida, corre, salta, fà il Diavolo a quattro...