Bidspirit auction | [MUSIC] - VERDI Giuseppe (1813

[MUSIC] - VERDI Giuseppe (1813 - 1901) - Farewell To A Friend: Verdi’s Final Letter To Ghislanzoni Amid Triumph And Loss - Autograph letter signed, dated “Genova 20 marzo 1893” by the celebrated Italian composer. 1 p. In-8. Addressed to the librettist Antonio Ghislanzoni (1824 - 1893). This is perhaps the last letter addressed by Verdi to his famous librettist of “Aida” and “Don Carlos”, as indicated on the verso of the sheet by a coeval hand. Ghislanzoni, seriously ill, had already a piece taken refuge in his hermitage in Caprino Bergamasco, hoping to restore his health. Aggravated, however, in the spring of '93 he would die the following July 16. In these very cordial lines the Maestro, who until the end had relieved Ghislanzoni's financial straits, thanks him: “…dei vostri augurj anche per parte di Peppina, che sono grati a noi quanto…non so dirti, ma voi lo immaginate…” and makes an important mention of his very recent successes for “Falstaff,” staged at La Scala in Milan on 9. 2. 1893 and presented to Roman audiences, the King present, on March 15, again with the La Scala orchestra: “…Non vi parlo di trionfi…”. Rather, with exquisite good sense, he prefers to remind his sick friend of a recent certificate he obtained “…per i vostri bei versi…”. He finally ends by apologizing because “…La fretta m’impedisce di restare più a lungo con voi…”. As one of the final exchanges between the two men, the letter holds particular biographical significance. It reflects Verdi’s sensitivity and discretion, choosing not to dwell on his own success but instead to acknowledge his friend’s literary achievements. •⁠> 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.