Important Italian composer (1792-1868) who became one of the seminal figures in the history of opera with such repertoire staples as The Barber of Seville and William Tell. ALS in French, signed “G. Rossini,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.5 x 9.75, May 4, 1830. Handwritten letter to his friend, Vitet, in Paris, regarding his stay in Italy, the return of Robert to Paris, and his unfavorable opinion of an opera by Somis. In part (translated): "I did not answer earlier to your letter because I wanted to take advantage of the return of Robert to Paris. I had to wait for his departure which was forced to postpone from day to day for the formation of his troupe. Finally he finished all his affairs and he has succeeded in forming an excellent troupe which does him honor. You will hear new talents for Paris, and I hope that this will go well.
I share very actively the interest that you have for Mme. Somis…it is because of this same interest that I am not at all of the opinion that this opera which has been composed for modest singers and for a type which does not admit big musical development, would be suitable for Italian theater, as for the innovation (noveltie, creation) of the sopien prose, the singers would not lend themselves properly to it, and if they were to lend themselves to it, it would be detestable, as I have myself tried it in Naples. I think that Mr. Somis will have made (composed) pieces that I do not know and that are good, but it is not, not knowing them, that I would give an advice that would make the trial of Mr. Somis disfavorable and compromise this way the prosperity of an enterprise that begins and which has a grandiose responsibility toward the public and producing only two new operas, the choice must be made among the works that have great success elsewhere. If this work is not played at Feydeau, because Mr. Somis has waited during two years, let him wait still this year, and at my arrival in Paris, I will see the score and I will be able to testify to Mr. Somis all the interest that I give to him and that which can not be done at this time will be able to be done later, and on a more solid basis…
I am settled in my countryside, I enjoy the beautiful aspects of my country, and I cross my arms while waiting for my poem—can you believe, they have not yet send it to me since 9 months past, that I left Paris, and however I do not see that they did a lot at the opera since my departure. And then one screams in Paris that I do not do anything…I count on having the pleasure to see you again in Paris in August, and to be there for the opening of the theater of Robert whom I recommend to you. Take good care of him in the interest of our pleasure and in that of the public." In fine condition, with a small seal-related tear to the last page.
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