- 147
Verdi, Giuseppe
Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
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Description
- Verdi, Giuseppe
- Autograph letter signed, to the organist and composer Marco Enrico Bossi, maestro di cappella in Como, about "modernity" in music, 3 April 1889
- ink on paper
thanking him for sending printed copies of his compositions for four voices and orchestra, which he is now returning, judging them well-made, expressing a predilection for the simple Prelude in E major, in which someone else has discerned a whiff of modernity, and opining that "modernity" is a weasel word, invoked ostensibly to praise music but in fact used merely to condemn it ("...vi si sente un soffio di modernità, direbbe un' altro; io dico semplicemente "E' bello! Modernità?! Singolare parola! Pare un'elogio, ed è una condanna!")
2 pages, 8vo, autograph envelope, stamped and postmarked, Genoa, 3 April 1889
2 pages, 8vo, autograph envelope, stamped and postmarked, Genoa, 3 April 1889
Condition
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."
"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
See also previous lot. Verdi’s comments on modern music are interesting appropriate. He was still active as a composer. His last two works, Otello (1887) and Falstaff (1893) are among his most far-seeing and visionary compositions.