Rossini, Gioachino

acknowledging the receipt of the basket of pork, olives, and ham in splendid condition, complimenting him on his reliability, thanking Liverani for his gift, and asking him to greet Ivanoff for him, expressing concern that the tenor will probably give up his singing since his [vocal] character is no longer really compatible with such a career ("...Presto abbracciarmi Ivanoff che sup[p]ongo rinunzierà ad’ una carriera non praticabile col suo attuale carat[t]ere...")

1 page, 4to (c.27 x 21.5cm), blind-stamped "Bath", Florence, 20 [January or February] 1852, slight creasing and splitting at folds

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."

Nicola Ivanoff (1810-1880) was a naturalized Russian and a protégé of Rossini, who paid Verdi to write an additional aria for him in Ernani (1844). By 1852 Ivanoff's voice had deteriorated and in a production at Palermo, he had to be replaced after two performances (cf. Weinstock, Rossini, p.252). Rossini was a noted gourmand, and this is one of the few letters offered for sale in which he discusses food and his beloved pork of Italy.