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Lot #731
Maria Malibran

The legendary mezzo-soprano requests a costume design

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Estimate: $800+
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Description

The legendary mezzo-soprano requests a costume design

Legendary mezzo-soprano (1808-1836) who was one of the most famous opera singers of the 19th century. She passed away at age 28 from injuries sustained after falling off her horse. Rare ALS in English, signed "your old friend Malibran," one page, 4.5 x 6.5, no date. Letter to a gentleman. In part: "Would you be so good as to give me la plus petit dessin of the costume of Orazzia—I have no idea of that dress…My servant shall wait for it in order to give it immediately to the dress maker." In fine condition. The Maria Callas of her day—beautiful, incredibly talented, and famous for her violent outbursts—Malibran played the role of Orazia in Domenico Cimarosa’s opera Gli Orazi ed i Curiazi in 1830.

Regarded as the best of his eleven opera serie, Cimarosa’s Gli Orazi ed i Curazi premiered at La Fenice in Venice in 1796. The first Orazia was Giuseppina Grassini, Napoleon’s lover. Napoleon was also fond of the opera and had it staged in Paris with Grassini. The role of Orazia was a favorite of many prima donnas including Malibran’s sister, Pauline Viardot Garcia.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #597 - Ended December 09, 2020





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