Lot 78
  • 78

Verdi, Giuseppe

Estimate
2,000 - 2,500 GBP
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Description

  • Verdi, Giuseppe
  • Autograph letter signed (“GVerdi”), to the French baritone Victor Maurel, the creator of the title role in Falstaff
  • paper
assuring him that the roles in the opera will be decided before the end of the month and promising to write to him as soon as possible about it, informing that he will soon return home (from his spa at Montecatini), and advising to write to him at Busseto (“...Fra breve si deciderà qual parte l'aspetta a Falstaff.  Non più tardi della fine del mese.  Vi scriverò subito in proposito...”),

1 page, oblong 16mo (c.9 x11.5cm), autograph envelope, Montecatini Terme, 19 July 1892, staining from mounting on verso, some dust-marking and staining to envelope

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

Victor Maurel (1848-1923) had created the role of  Iago in Verdi's Otello, and importuned Verdi ceaselessly for the title role in Falstaff, which he felt was his by right.  He also made unreasonable demands of Ricordi and La Scala. Verdi later wrote to Ricordi outraged that Maurel should “come into my study and grab an opera of mine that is not yet finished and say to me 'I will perform your opera, but afterwards I want to be the first one to sing it in the major theatres...London, Madrid etc'...”). Maurel nevertheless sang at the première and was a great success.