Italian composer (1797–1848) known as a leading composer of the bel canto opera style. ALS in Italian, signed “Donizetti,” one page, 8.75 x 10, July 28, 1836. Letter to Carlo Severini, co-director of Theatre Italien in Paris with Edouard Robert. In part (translated): "I have received your letter from Paris where you say you want to show this year my Lucia di Lammermoor. The sole proprietor of this opera is here in Naples. It is Mr. Cottrau (from the firm Gerard) who assures me he has not received any request for the said score from Paris. I therefore advise you that you should turn only to him to acquire the score since no one else till now possesses another true copy. Everyone would lose with a wrong score, and this is why I wanted to tell you this immediately. Please send a thousand greetings to our Rossini and to Mr. Robert.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds with partial separations repaired on the reverse, a few repaired edge tears, and scattered creases and soiling. Severini and Robert were the impresarios of Rossini in France and had staged several successful productions of his operas in Paris. Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, considered his greatest work, did eventually premiere at the Theatre Italien in October 1837. His primary concern in this letter—and a testament to his widespread success—is the authenticity of his scores, as pirated copies were increasing in circulation due to their popularity. An extremely desirable example concerning the staging of his most famous opera. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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