G. DONIZETTI. AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED ("IL VOSTRO DONIZETTI"), ABOUT HIS OPERA "L'ELISIR D'AMORE", 1839

to Andreoli, the head copyist at the Théâtre Italien in Paris, asking him to have a copy made of the new piece composed for Tamburini in the second act of L’elisir d’amore for the publisher Bernard Latte ("...Lasciate copiare, o copiate per il Sig Latte il pezzo nuovo del 2o atto fatto per Tamburini nell'Elisir d'Amore...") 1 page, oblong 4to, with autograph address panel to verso ("Monsieur Andreoli au Théâtre Italien"), [Paris], 22 March 1839, old repairs to splitting and tears on verso, creasing  

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."

For the first French production of L’elisir d’amore at the Théâtre-Italien on 17 January 1839, Donizetti composed an additional number for the baritone Antonio Tamburini, with a prominent part for solo horn. Bernard Latte published this separately, rather than in the score: ‘Bravo, bravo, il mio Belcore:’ air composé à Paris par G. Donizetti ; chanté par Mr Tamburini, dans l'Elisir d'amore, plate no. B.L. 2051.   The contemporary reviewer noted that Donizetti had sacrificed himself in order to display Tamburini's much vaunted vocal prowess. We are indebted to Professor Mark Everist for his help in our catalogue description.