- 264
Verdi, Giuseppe
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Verdi, Giuseppe
- Autograph letter signed ("G. Verdi"), about Otello
- paper
a formal letter to the President of a an Opera company (Society), responding to an invitation on behalf of the society, probably to stage an opera, explaining that he has not yet completed Otello, is not in fact sure that he will be able to do so, and that, should he accomplish the task he has so many other unfulfilled commitments, that he has decided not to undertake any new projects
...mi credo in dovere di esporle francamente le cose rapporte a quanto si volle dire sull'Otello. L'opera non è finita, nè saprei ora dirle se la finirò. Nel caso affermativo ho già incontrato alcuni impegni, esauriti i quali, e per età, e per affari particolari, e per determinata mia volontà, non intendo assumerne di ulteriori...
2 pages, 8vo (c.21 x 13cm), Genoa, 1 February 1886, minor creasing
...mi credo in dovere di esporle francamente le cose rapporte a quanto si volle dire sull'Otello. L'opera non è finita, nè saprei ora dirle se la finirò. Nel caso affermativo ho già incontrato alcuni impegni, esauriti i quali, e per età, e per affari particolari, e per determinata mia volontà, non intendo assumerne di ulteriori...
2 pages, 8vo (c.21 x 13cm), Genoa, 1 February 1886, minor creasing
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."
"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
Unpublished: not in Hans Busch, Verdi's Otello and Simon Boccanegra in Letters and Documents, 2 volumes, Oxford: 1988.
Otello, finally completed in the autumn of 1886, represents the climax of Verdi's career as a composer of serious opera. The previous winter, clamour around Verdi's forthcoming opera based on Shakespeare's Othello had developed into a frenzy. Verdi reported on 29 January 1886 that the impresario of La Scala and Giulio Ricordi had both visited and that he had also had to put off the Director of the Paris Opéra, all by saying that he had not finished the opera. The present letter is unrecorded.