ALS in Italian, signed “G. Verdi,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8.5 x 6.5, August 16, 1893. Letter to Edoardo Mascheroni, after the success of the debut of Falstaff at Brescia's Teatro Grande. In full (translated): "'Well, that's done,' as the man said after killing his father!! We haven't killed anyone; at the most, we rattled the eardrums of our audience a bit; but they haven't complained, so there's no great harm done. However, you will be able to tell me more about it after the fifth or sixth performance, from the box-office standpoint. In any case, my compliments to all, my… how can I say it? I will shout to everyone, 'Brave, bravissime, bravi, bravissimi!,' and ten points to you!!" He adds a lengthy postscript: "Ah, I forgot to tell you that I am very happy in having been wrong about the protagonist! That is, I am very happy at the success which he enjoyed. He was still horribly made-up, however! Ah, these Italian artists! In their stupid conceit they cannot be bothered with such trivial details, and prefer to do things badly rather than learn from the others! and in this case he had a model who, especially from that point of view, is insuperable!" Attractively double-matted and framed with glass on both sides, along with the original mailing envelope (addressed in Verdi's hand) and a portrait, to an overall size of 20 x 17. In fine condition, with the right side of the frame loose. Mascheroni had conducted the world premiere of Falstaff at La Scala in February 1893, before the show hit the road. It was first performed at Brescia's Teatro Grande on August 12th with the same starring cast except for a new protagonist, Arturo Pessina, and it was again conducted by Mascheroni.
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