Parigi, 27 febbraio 1835
Parigi 27: Feb‹ra›jo 35:
Non posso astenermi di ringraziarvi io stesso e direttamente pel tratto affettuoso che mi avete mostrato nell’ultima circostanza della recezzione della partitura dei miei
Schiettezza, sincerità anche a costo di dispiacerci pel momento, ma non voglio riguardi, questi distruggono le amicizie le più solide; dunque scrivetemi se col cuore accettate il mio attaccamento, figlio della più alta stima, simpatia, e riconoscenza – Scrivetemi, e contate sù quanto io posso, e senza restrizione alcuna. –
I miei saluti affettuosi al caro
Addio, mio Angioletto – Spero che in
Il v‹ost›ro affsmo
Bellini
394
47.
Paris, 27 February 1835
Vincenzo Bellini to Maria Malibran. Letter.
Aut. B-Bc, Fonds Malibran, Lettre autographe n. 16. One bifolio, three sides plus address and seal in red wax on the verso.
Ed. Le soir illustré, 23 gennaio 1935 (in French translation); Cambi 1943, pp. 526-527; Neri 2005, pp. 384-385.
Paris 27 February 35
My good and dear friend
I would be remiss were I not to thank you directly myself for your kindness in the recent circumstances surrounding the reception of the score of my Puritani by the theatrical Society of Naples. Florimo has written to me that a lover could not have shown me greater solicitude and concern, and I believe it and will always believe that you care for me because I adore you and have always adored you, as much for your miraculous talent as for your charming and dynamic physical disposition, not to mention the three essences you possess (because you must have many and not one like all other women). Henceforth please know that I want to write to you from time to time, I want you to respond, and I want our friendship to be fraternal, full of mutual concern and affection which we pledge to one another, and that this friendship based on the purest expression of reciprocal respect should become something precious to us both. - Therefore, be it understood that from now on whatever Malibran commands, Bellini performs!
[I seek] openness and sincerity even at the cost of momentary unhappiness, but I want no second thoughts, which destroy even the most solid of friendships; so tell me whether your heart is ready to accept my loyal affection born of the utmost respect, goodwill, and gratitude. - Write to me, and remember that I am ready to do all I possibly can for you, with no reservations whatsoever. -
Give my warmest greetings to dear Beriot, along with this letter for him from our mutual friend Aubry, that most lovable of men.
Farewell, my little Angel. - I hope you and no one else will perform I puritani in Milan, and I hope that tight-fisted Duca Visconti will give me enough money to be able to write an opera expressly for you. - Farewell farewell, and with your Carlo's permission, I send you a kiss of gratitude.
Your most affectionate
Bellini
Be advised that I am currently engaged in a pourparler with the Grand Opéra -
Madame
Madame Malibran
Venise