Italian composer (1813–1901) who was one of the most influential figures in the history of opera. ALS in Italian, signed “G. Verdi,” one page, 5 x 8.25, October 20, 1857. Letter to his friend Francesco Maria Piave. In part (translated): “It passed yesterday…and I have almost one year more on my shoulders. With my father in law and some friends we drank a glass of champagne and said several times: that crook Piave is not around this year …what is he doing? Have a lot of fun with Arnoldo. Give my regards to Ferrarini and tell him for me that I am really guilty in his regard but that I will repair the damage. Here is the certificate for Scaranelli. Luigi Verdi the first! Here he is and he sends his regards.” Letter is also signed at the lower left by Francesco Maria Piave and given to an admirer and friend. In very good condition, with intersecting mailing folds, one passing through top portion of signature, scattered toning and soiling, and light show-through from address panel and wax seal remnants on reverse.
In this letter, Verdi displays a playful side not seen in many of his operas as he writes to Piave, his lifelong friend and collaborator. The two men worked together on ten of Verdi's operas and Aida would have been the eleventh had Piave not had a stroke which paralyzed him and prevented him from talking. The bond between these two friends was so strong that after Piave's stroke, Verdi helped support his wife and daughter and he paid for his funeral when he died. Correspondence between these two operatic geniuses is extremely hard to come by and this one, signed by both of them, is even more desirable. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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