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Italian composer (1858–1919) best known for his operas, particularly the beloved repertoire staple ‘Pagliacci’ (1892). ALS in French, signed 'R. Leoncavallo,' four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.25 x 7, September 14, 1898. Letter to A. H. Payne music editor and director of the journal Dur und Moll. Leoncavallo sends a package of materials to help with a forthcoming article about him, presumably in Dur und Moll, including some recent photographs of his study, some recent portraits, a signed copy of ‘Boheme,’ and some recently published articles from Italy, which include his up-to-date biography [none of which are included]. In part (translated): 'Now regarding what you say about not daring to make me an offer for one of my compositions because you could never afford my usual rates, I respond as follows: Tell me yourself what type of little piece you’d like to have from me, and because I would like the honor of being edited by you, I will send it to you and you can pay me whatever you normally pay to composers at your [publishing] house.' Leoncavallo closes by thanking him in advance 'for that which you will do for me in your estimable magazine' and 'looks forward to receiving confirmation of the photographs I have sent and to hearing back with some direction for the little piece that you would like to have.' Uniform mild toning to all pages, a small tear to top edge, and small tape remnants to top and bottom edge of inside pages, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. RRAuction COA.
