- 43
# - Farinelli. ("Carlo Broschi")
Description
- Fine autograph letter signed ("Carlo Broschi Farinelli"), to Lord Charles Cadogan ("Milord"), about his conduct and the fulfilment of his obligations to the Opera of the Nobility in London
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
Rare: we have no auction record for any letter by the most celebrated of all castrati, held to be the greatest singer of all time. This letter marks his retirement from the operatic stage. Farinelli sang in London during the years 1734-1737 for the Opera of the Nobility, deadly rivals of Handel's opera productions. The directors were all politically aligned with Frederick Prince of Wales in opposition to the King, who favoured Handel, and included Lord Burlington, Lord Cadogan and Sir John Buckworth (see Deutsch p.305). The two companies bankrupted each other in 1737; Farinelli left London and went to Madrid in the service of Philip V of Spain, where he lived out the remainder of his unique career. Please see the illustration on page 27.