Puccini, Giacomo

("...Non convien dire delle cosidette nostre divergenze per Butt: con Giacosa..."), that Ricordi does not wish to print some of the verses ("...non vuole Ricordi che si pubblichino versi..."), reporting that the opera is nearly complete, explaining that the place of the premiere is not yet decided, and that if successful he intends to take it to London and New York ("...è presso alla fine- e si darà a Milano Roma e forse Monte carlo no so dove faró la premiere- Forse per ordine alfabetico - poi si darà, se ci sarà il grande esito, a Londra e New York..."), announcing the decision to divide the opera into two acts, and expressing the hope that at Paris he will find relief from the pain in his leg, 4 pages, 8vo, 17 September 1903

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."

This letter touches on a number of issues that arose during the composition of Madama Butterfly. Puccini encountered several problems with his librettist, Giacosa, particularly over the division of the opera into two acts. These were exacerbated in December 1903 when Ricordi carried out his plan to omit those verses in Giacosa's libretto that Puccini did not set. Puccini's complaints about his painful leg are doubtless a result of his motoring accident on 25 February, when he fractured his right shin. On 15 September 1903 Puccini finished the orchestration of Act 1 of Madama Butterfly, but the whole opera was not completely finished until 27 September. Its premiere at La Scala, Milan on 17 February 1904 was one of the most famous debacles in the history of opera.