Bellini, Vincenzo

reporting that the publisher Artaria in Milan has supplied the Theater in der Josefstadt in Vienna with an unauthorized copy, orchestrated from Ricordi’s vocal score, explaining that he has written briefly to Artaria and asking Ricordi what he proposes to do to prevent this, for example using his music for a ballet, urging him to contact the Police since Norma is the joint property of the impresario Lanari and himself ("...della questione successa per quella musica, che hanno posto nel ballo Beatrice Tenda…"), and reminding him of the potential consequences for his own forthcoming opera Beatrice di Tenda, which is already behind schedule

1 page, 8vo, integral autograph address-panel to verso, Whatman paper, annotated and dated by the recipient, traces of red seal, postmarked, Venice, 16 February [1833]

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."

UNPUBLISHED: Not in Cambi (1943), Neri (2005) or Seminara (2017). In an age when composers were not protected by copyright, one way that Bellini and Ricordi could control the staging of operas was by publishing only vocal scores, and supplying the necessary performing materials in manuscript for hire. However, Bellini was frequently faced with performances given with bogus orchestrations, worked up by hacks from the published vocal scores. The letter that Bellini mentions writing to Artaria survives and was sold at Stargardt, 20 April 2011, Lot 453 (Cambi, p.72, Neri, p. 250 and Seminara, p. 296).