Bidspirit auction | [MUSIC] - COLBRAN Isabelle (1785

[MUSIC] - COLBRAN Isabelle (1785 - 1845) - A Wife’s Plea: Love And Estrangement In Colbran’s Letter To Rossini - Important autograph letter signed “vostra affezionata moglie”, dated “Bologna 30 Gennaro [1831]” by the Spanish mezzo-soprano and composer, wife to the composer Gioacchino Rossini (1822-1837). 1 p. in-4. Autograph address at the verso “Mr. Le Chevalier Rossini”. An important letter written during a particularly critical period in the relationship between Rossini and Colbran. The latter – forced to retire from the stage at a young age due to her voice becoming unstable – had found solace in gambling and perhaps even in some extramarital “affairs.” All of this had led to a slow but steady estrangement from the Maestro. In this letter, the singer seems to want to reaffirm her devotion to Rossini and assure him of her undiminished love. She thanks her husband for his New Year’s greetings – the delay had made her fear he was ill – and reassures him that “…non ho mancato ne mancherò mai al debito rispetto ed ai tutti riguardi per vostro Padre…”. And he continues with these interesting and meaningful expressions that reveal a very particular state of mind: “…Il tempo delle esultazioni è più che passato per me, ma qualche volta i capricci non sono solamente come lo dite della stordita gioventù. I vostri amici e conoscenti potranno fare testimonianza della vita che faccio e alla quale non so che cosa si potesse rimproverare. Quanto il cuore non è mancato mai, e nessuno più di voi dovrebbe esser perdonato di questa verità…”. This document belongs to a moment of profound personal and artistic transition for both figures: Rossini had largely withdrawn from opera, while Colbran faced the end of her career. The emotional tone reflects the strain placed on their relationship by these parallel crises. Autograph letters exchanged within such a famous musical couple are rare and highly desirable. The intimate nature of the content, combined with the historical significance of both individuals, considerably enhances its value on the market. •⁠> This lot is located in and ships from the UK. A UK export license is required prior to shipment. Import duties and taxes in the destination country are the buyer's responsibility.