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Italian composer (1863–1945) whose 1890 masterpiece ‘Cavalleria rusticana’ takes a place among the most beloved staples of the operatic repertoire. ALS in Italian, signed “Pietro,” one page, 4.5 x 7, May 5, 1897. Untranslated handwritten letter by Pietro Mascagni, with reference to the "Boheme di Leoncavallo." In fine condition, with some small stains and scattered light foxing.
An interesting letter with reference to one of opera's great rivalries: during a luncheon in March 1893, Puccini met with fellow composer Ruggero Leoncavallo to discuss their upcoming works. Puccini informed his friend that he had begun writing La Boheme, to which a stunned Leoncavallo responded that he too was adapting the Henry Murger novel. An angry exchange soon followed, with Puccini refusing Leoncavallo's request to abandon the project. Puccini finished his La Boheme fifteen months ahead of Leoncavallo, and the opera premiered at the Teatro Regio on February 1, 1896, with a young Arturo Toscanini serving as conductor. Leoncavallo's version—now rarely performed—received a successful premiere at the Teatro la Fenice, Venice, on May 6, 1897, the day after Mascagni penned this letter.
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