Italian operatic composer best known for Rigoletto and La Traviata. ALS signed 'G. Verdi,' one page, 5.5 x 8.5, May 12, 1844. Letter, in Italian, to Carlo Montanari expressing uncertainty about his plans that season. He asks Montanari to keep him up to date about the impresario's choice of singers and on whether they intend to keep control of the score or to cede it to him and about the chances of Montanari playing in the theater at Rome. Verdi tells Montanari that he had not heard definitely from Rome if there is a place in the orchestra there, and discusses the alternative offer from Vicenza for July and August, explaining why Montanari would not be paid more than 6 lire a day at Vicenze, because even the lead double-bass player (contrabasso al cembalo) was coming from Venice for less, suggesting that on the basis of the eventual answer from Rome, Montanari should decide whether to accept the offer or not. Verdi is dealing with the problem of ownership of his scores, a continual problem for composers in an age before firm implementation of copyright laws. In very good condition, with some scattered light foxing and soiling and a bit of minor wrinkling. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
