Price: $4,750
Italian operatic composer.
Autograph Letter Signed, one very full page, quarto, Bologna, August 2, 1847. To Filippo Santocanale, Esq.
“The fear of bothering you is what keeps me from writing you more often. Since I am tormented by the heirs of my late wife, I must now write to you begging you, entreating you, pleading that you sell the estate in question. In your last letter you suggested that I buy out the heirs. It would be a great solution if I had the money to do so, and thirty years less on my shoulders. I currently spend all the income coming from this estate, and I cannot afford such a purchase. On the other hand, I am too old to wait for a more propitious time to sell with profit. Even if I have to lose one third of the value, it is necessary to sell now and make the sacrifice. Moreover, the heirs of my late wife are requesting only 8000 ducats, and since they are in great need, the sooner a deal is made, the better. In view of the above, please send me a statement showing income and expenses for the year 1846. I hope you can do this so that I can inform the claimants here in Bologna and eventually pay them the above-mentioned 8000 ducats due them.
“After the sale of this property, kindly send me the proceeds via our good friend, Petromasi. I tremble at the idea of taking time away from your many affairs and commitments, and from your family; but dear God, what else can I do? May Pope Pius IX bless you and inspire you to a happy completion of my request. Please remember me to Mme. Santocanale; a kiss to young Napoleone, who I imagine by now is a jewel. To you, my angel, all my soul.”
In a lengthy postscript Gioacchino Rossini adds: “I forgot to tell you that a certain Chiponti, who is the husband of the singer, Liparini, whom you must have heard some years ago in Palermo, came here in Bologna two years ago to carry out a sale on behalf of his wife. Through the agency of a certain Petrella Avalsevo, Chiponti was put in touch with Francesco Paolo Orlando, a solicitor in Palermo. Everyone was pleased with the way Mr. Orlando completed the deal. Upon his return to Bologna, Chiponti apprised me of the various business cases he is handling and suggested that I use Orlando’s services. However, I answered that you are in charge of my affairs and would not consider anyone else. I am writing all this for your information, and if you think that this solicitor is an honest man, contact him and see what he has to offer.” Fine condition.
Matted in khaki and salmon, with a formal seated photograph of Gioacchino Rossini. In a beaded gilt frame measuring 19 1/2 inches wide by 16 1/2 inches high.
This item is associated with the following category in our inventory:
- Musicians / Composers
