Italian composer (1813–1901) who was one of the most influential figures in the history of opera. ALS in French, signed “G. Verdi,” one page both sides, 5.5 x 8, May 18, 1857, Reggio, Italy. Letter to French author Alphonse Royer, in full (translated): “Excuse me if I distract your attention from matters certainly more important than what I want you to learn. I have just received a letter where I am told that my accounts with the Opera house (regarding the balances of Il Trovatore) have not yet been paid. Mr. Blanchat, whom I had empowered to receive for me the sums that I am entitled to receive, tells me that ‘difficulties’ were evoked to explain the delay, which surprises me very much as I thought everything had been well agreed between us two. He adds that he was advised to wait for my return to Paris to settle this question! As I [am unsure] of when I will have the time to return to Paris, I pray you pay this sum to Mr. Blanchat who is authorized to receive it for me. Please do not forget me and I send my best regards.” Verdi adds a brief postscript, in full: “I am always in Busseto in the Duchy of Parma.” In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical folds, and a few light wrinkles and creases.
On January 12, 1857, Verdi’s four-act opera Il trovatore (The Troubadour) made its French debut at the Paris Opera’s Salle le Peletier under the direction of the distinguished author and theater manager Alphonse Royer. A decade into their acquaintance—Royer had written the libretto for Verdi’s Jerusalem in 1847—Verdi reached out to Royer to settle the financial matters surrounding the performance. Returning to Italy immediately following the show, the composer engrossed himself in his work, writing Simon Boccanegra and extensively reworking Stiffelio (into Aroldo) within the first eight months of 1857; understandably, he announced that he was too busy to return to Paris to handle the matter. An excellent and incredibly rare handwritten letter from a prolific period in the brilliant composer’s career, with fantastic association to a major figure in the French opera scene. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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