Puccini, Giacomo

in which he reports meeting Elvira at the station in Milan, only to send her home whilst he went to a hotel, where he intends to stay unless she leaves, only then can he go home and work on his Steinway piano, describing Elvira's pathetic state, reflecting fondly on his recent trip to London, discussing plans to go to Nice, where he can find the peace to work, and maybe Rome, since Sybil will be there, although, with Elvira there as well, life will soon become unbearable, especially since Elvira has already criticized his trips to London [to see Sybil] ("...Arrivai trovai Elvira alla stazione, io però andai all'albergo e Lei a casa....Ora quando Elvira se ne sarà andata io andrò a lavorare al mio Steinway in casa mia, ma non lascerò l'albergo...verrei a Roma ma l'ambiente non mi va per la mia tranquillità e per il mio lavoro.  E' vero che ci sarete voi, ma con Elvira diverrebbe vita orribile.  Tanto più che la mia gita a Londra ha dato luogo a dei suoi reproches..."); he explains that he proposes to lay down the law if and when he returns home ("...basta quei pochi anni che vivrò li voglio vivere meno italianamente possibile—parlo dal lato femminile!...")

6 pages, 8vo (21.5 x 13.8cm), printed stationery of the Regina Hotel, Milan, no date ("Martedì") [probably February 1909]

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."

Apparently unpublished. Puccini moved out of his home at Torre del Lago and planned to divorce Elvira in the wake of the "Doria affair", and this severely impeded his work on La fanciulla del West.  Elvira had become obsessed with the idea that Puccini was conducting an affair with the family maid Doria Manfredi, and her relentless campaign of vilification lead to the poor girl committing suicide in January 1909.