- 61
Rossini, Gioachino
Description
- Rossini, Gioachino
- Autograph letter signed (“Gioacchino Rossini”), to the tenor Zenone Cazzioletti, 30 October 1818
- Paper
1 page, 4to (25.3 x 20.9cm), integral autograph address leaf ("Il Sr Zenone Cazzioletto [sic] / Primo Tenore al Teatro / Treviso"), postmarked, Naples, 30 October 1818
Literature
Condition
"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
This letter shows Rossini negotiating with a tenor to sing at Naples, rather than leaving it to the impresario there, Domenico Barbaja. It is not clear for which opera Rossini hoped to secure Cazzioletti’s services, as he did not appear in the premieres of Ricciardo e Zoraide in December 1818, or the revised Armida in January 1819, but instead sang Don Ramiro in La Cenerentola in Venice. Rossini did on rare occasions sign himself "Gioacchino": see the letter to his mother of 27 February 1816, and another letter to Cazzioletti of 20 January 1818. Although known as Gioachino, he more often signs these early letters just "Rossini" (or, to his parents, "V[ostro] F[iglio]"). Rossini was evidently close to the singer, addressing him in the familiar "tu" form.