Details
VERDI, Giuseppe (1813-1901). Autograph letter signed to Tito Ricordi, St Agata, 2 August 1874[?], an indignant letter concerning performances of the Requiem, particularly plans for a performance in an arena in Ferrara, la Messa...per Manzoni! MANZONI - MESSA DA REQUIEM - ARENA - BANDA!!..., and going on to rage about performances at Bologna of a pianoforte reduction and the desecration of art and ending with a plea to his publisher to defend the reputations of artists and to sustain the dignity of art, black ink, 3 pages, 8°, 206 x 131mm., with autograph envelope.
From the time of its first performance on 22 May 1874, Verdi had trouble with inappropriate performances of the Requiem, largely owing to its immediate success. In this letter he expresses himself with force and righteous indignation.
It is possible that the letter is dated 1875, rather than 1874, as its phrasing is remarkably close to a letter Verdi wrote to Giuseppe Pirolli on 4 August 1875, also referring to a performance in an arena and the pianoforte reduction in Bologna. Verdi often used the same phrases and ideas in letters written to different people at the same time.
From the time of its first performance on 22 May 1874, Verdi had trouble with inappropriate performances of the Requiem, largely owing to its immediate success. In this letter he expresses himself with force and righteous indignation.
It is possible that the letter is dated 1875, rather than 1874, as its phrasing is remarkably close to a letter Verdi wrote to Giuseppe Pirolli on 4 August 1875, also referring to a performance in an arena and the pianoforte reduction in Bologna. Verdi often used the same phrases and ideas in letters written to different people at the same time.