- 91
Puccini, Giacomo
Estimate
1,800 - 2,000 GBP
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Description
- Puccini, Giacomo
- Autograph letter signed twice (“GPuccini”), to Alfredo Caselli (“negoziante d’ogni ben di Dio”), 5 February 1898
- ink on paper
in which he humorously lambasts his friend for missing a reunion in Parma and cordially invites him to accompany him to Paris; Puccini explains that he will leave for Paris on 4 April with his wife and her daughter [Fosca], as he has to meet Sardou (who wrote the play upon which Tosca is based), inviting him to join them on a week-long tour of Parisian boulevards and opera houses, pointing out that Caselli has plenty of time to arrange matters at his shop in Lucca before he leaves, and also, extravagantly laced with personal allusions and criticisms, the fun and entertainment they could have shared earlier, had they met in Parma, complaining that he has not even written to explain his absence (“...Metti i volgari ponci al prezzo alto dando come d’usato acqua tinta per moka, sugo di suole di scarpe per il torinese martinazzi...Caso mai col tuo micro-cefalo, non avessi capito ti dico, ti spiego ciò che ho scritto in due parole: Vuoi venire il 4 Aprile a Parigi?...”),
8 pages, 8vo, autograph envelope, stamped and postmarked (“Milan”), 5 February 1898, some wear at folds, light foxing
8 pages, 8vo, autograph envelope, stamped and postmarked (“Milan”), 5 February 1898, some wear at folds, light foxing
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
APPARENTLY UNPUBLISHED. Puccini in fact met Victorien Sardou earlier than he suggested to Caselli, in March rather than April. He went at the behest of Ricordi and played Sardou the first act of Tosca. Puccini went to Paris once more in April, staying for the French premiere of La Bohème on 13 June. For Alfredo Caselli (1858-1921), see also Lot 86