Lot 271
Puccini, Giacomo (1858-1924) Italian composer whose works include "La Bohème," "Tosca," and "Madame Butterfly." Autograph letter signed ("G. Puccini"), 1p, on his personal letterhead, in Italian, 10½ x 8¼", Viareggio/ Via Buonarroti, July 4, 1924. To G. Zuccoli, the author of the piano score of his opera "Turandot." In part: "…In a few days I will send you the improved arrangement of the first act. For certain parts it wasn't very precise, but I wrote down the comment. The system should be changed slightly. I would like to have the upper and lower octaves kept as they are and, if possible, also the harmony. Should it not be done the way I desire, then the music will seem rather pitiful and the orchestra less expressive. Risk only a few acrobatic tricks - this is possible by means of the third staff line…." Fine.
From 1921 Puccini lived in Viareggo. The same year he started writing down the sketches of Turandot, but no other opera made him doubt himself as much. His work lasted four years. In the fall of 1924, the year he wrote this letter, he found out that he had laryngeal cancer and was hospitalized in a clinic in Brussels, where he passed away a short time later.
Estimated Value $600 - 800.
The Arden Family Holdings of Beverly Hills.
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| Realized $1,320 |
