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VERDI, Giuseppe (1813-1901). Autograph letter signed to Giovanni Ricordi, Paris, 25 March 1848, a remarkable letter written in haste and agitation referring to financial transactions but primarily to news, or the lack of it, about the Cinque Giornate in Milan, Sento grande notizie de Milano ma nulla di certo...Sono nella più grande inquietudine, e dispiaciutissimo di trovarmi qui, 1 page, octavo, with address leaf verso
In the five days of fighting 18-22 March, the Milanese expelled the Austrians from the city but with much loss of life. The Austrians recaptured the city and took their revenge. Verdi escaped the reprisals by arriving too late to take part in the rebellion. This letter makes it clear that Verdi's absence was owing to lack of news rather than lack of courage. After 1848 Verdi hardly set foot in Milan for twenty years.
The letter is published in George Martin, Aspects of Verdi, Robson Books, 1989, pp.241-2.
In the five days of fighting 18-22 March, the Milanese expelled the Austrians from the city but with much loss of life. The Austrians recaptured the city and took their revenge. Verdi escaped the reprisals by arriving too late to take part in the rebellion. This letter makes it clear that Verdi's absence was owing to lack of news rather than lack of courage. After 1848 Verdi hardly set foot in Milan for twenty years.
The letter is published in George Martin, Aspects of Verdi, Robson Books, 1989, pp.241-2.