Aut.
Ed.
Parigi, 14 febbraio 1834
Eccoti la copia della lettera che vengo di finire in risposta al
Parigi 14: Feb‹ra›jo 34
Preg‹iati›s‹si›mo sig:r Cav: – Il lusinghiero invito che per di lei mezzo ricevo dalla Nobile Società per scrivere un’opera al avere \avere/ una mia opera, avrà la bontà di rendermi avvisato per stabilire gli obblighi vicendevoli mediante un contratto regolare. – Ella Io d’ora innanzi, mi dichiaro a Lei riconoscente per tutto quello ove Ella potrà concorrere, perché io colga Gloria sul suolo della mia amata patria. – Gradisca le proteste della mia piena stima e mi creda sempre
Suo ec: ec:
Deux Siciles
à Monsieur
Monsieur François Florimo
à Naples
t.p. […] - […] feb 1834
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27.
Paris, 14 February 1834
Vincenzo Bellini to Francesco Florimo. Letter.
Aut. I-Nc, Rari 4.3.6 (31). One bifolio, one side plus address and partially preserved seal in red wax on the verso.
Ed. Florimo 1882, pp. 406-407; Cambi 1943, pp. 386-387; Neri 2005, pp. 276-277.
Here is the copy of the letter I've put together in response to Cav. Galeota -
Paris 14 February 34
Most Esteemed Sig. Cav. - Your flattering invitation on behalf of the Noble Society to write an opera for the Gran Teatro is immensely gratifying! Unfortunately, because I could only accept such an honor by promising to dedicate myself entirely, with what modest means nature has granted me, to the composition of the opera you have requested, I find myself in the regrettable position of being unable to undertake and complete this score for the period in which it is wanted, due to my prior committment with the Théâtre Italien of Paris for the composition of an opera seria to be performed at the end of the current year. My policy is that of never taking on too much work at one time, thereby avoiding as much as I possibly can the malady of a fiasco, which has today become all but epidemic, and also to justify the price I ask for my operas, since I devote as much time to each one as other colleagues do to three or four. Therefore, while I am ready to accept with the utmost pleasure the commission of an opera for the land where I was born and bred in my arduous craft, I can promise to do so only after having completed the opera for Paris, which means I would perhaps be able to have it ready for performance on 30 May 1835, excluding any unforeseen circumstances that might possibly involve a few months' delay. This gives me time to reflect upon the choice of a libretto, which has become even more difficult today than creating the music itself, while the Noble Society secures a suitable company of singers that allows me to work serenely and trust in a fair measure of success. Consequently, Sig. Cav., if the noble Society still desires an opera from me, please be so kind as to notify me once the theatre has engaged the singers for 1835 (since, as you know, I have had reason to regret signing contracts without knowing to whom my music would be entrusted) so that we might arrange a regular contract with mutually acceptable terms and responsibilities. - Allow me to express my appreciation henceforth for any support you may provide in helping me attain the Glory of my beloved homeland. - Please accept my deepest respects, and believe me always
Your etc. etc.
Deux Siciles
à Monsieur François Florimo
à Naples
postmark [...] - [...] feb 1834