Dallapiccola, Luigi.

Twelve letters by Dallapiccola, in Italian, defending himself against criticism [by Peter Heyworth] in the Observer of his "well-publicised addiction" to inspirations from Joyce, Aeschylus, Cavafy and others in his edition of Monteverdi's Ulisse, and the gratuitous implications of cultural exhibitionism, discussing proposals for his works at the Holland Festival, including Il prigioniero and other works, thanking him for his efforts, comparing his difficulty in getting performances in Italy, and about Rosalyn Tureck and the floods in Holland in 1953, Florence and Marlboro (Vermont), 1950-1958 and 1969; and letters by Stravinsky (2, thanking Diamand for his reception at the Holland Festival and Markevich's concert of his music, 1952-1957), Berio (2, praising Diamand's contribution to music: "...la musica può essere tante cose ma è sempre, anche, un regalo bello e complicato da dare e da ricevere. E tu, caro Peter, questo lo hai capitato profondamente..."), Petrassi and by Frank Martin (thanking Diamand for his courageousness in performing his works at the Holland Festival in 1954); 20 items in all, most with envelopes, 1950-1990

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."

"...Mai, in quasi trentacinque anni di carriera, ho protestato contro i critici (innumerevoli) che hanno tentato di tagliarmi le gambe. Nemmeno il critico dell'Observer ci è riuscito del tutto...Però quanto ho voluto citare contiene almeno due insulti morali, e della specie più gratuiti: quel "well-publicised" sembra voler dire che io sono un "réclamiste"; l'ultima insolente frase sembra voler fare di me un esibizionista dell a propia cultura..."