Pacini, Giovanni, (1796-1867)

1) to the impresario Leoni in Milan (about his opera Carmelita, explaining why it cannot be performed that season, and asking to be released from his contract), 2) to the publisher G.G. Guidi in Florence (about his "memorie artistiche", asking the publisher to send a copy to the critic Abramo Basevi) and 3) to Luigi Mazzoni, director of the Gazzetta Musicale di Napoli, lamenting the lack of opportunities afforded young composers in Naples, with the decline of the conservatories, compared with the days of Mercadante and Bellini, noting that even Verdi failed to voice his concern over the matter at a recent conference in Bologna:

"...L'arte erasi rallegrata quando seppe che fra gli Onorevoli a rappresentare la Nazione sedevasi L'Illustre Verdi! Ma egli tacque. Quale ne fosse la cagione non posso, nè debbo indagarla...L'impresa, assumeva L'onore di produrre il lavoro di un giovane compositore che fosse stato educato nel Conservatorio della Città. E di fatto... Il celebre Mercadante, a S. Carlo, con L'Apoteosi d'Ercole. Bellini sulla stessa scena con la sua Bianca e Gernando, ec. ..."



8 pages, 4to and 8vo, Milan, 24 February 1863; Pescia, 20 March 1864 (autograph envelope laid down); Pescia, 26 July 1865

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."

Giovanni Pacini (1796-1867) was one of the major competitors of Donizetti and Bellini. His most famous opera is Saffo (Naples, 1840), composed to a libretto by Cammarano. His other major contribution is Le mie memorie artistiche, published by G.G. Guidi in 1865, which gives a valuable insight into the world of Italian opera after Rossini settled in Paris. For a photograph of Pacini, see Lot 47 and inside front cover. .