MUSIC - Gaetano Donizetti (Bergamo, 1797 - ib., 1848) - Autograph letter signed (Donizetti)

Gaetano Donizetti (Bergamo, 1797 - ib., 1848)Autograph letter signed, dated [Milan] 30.11.1833, by the Italian opera composer, to the music publisher Francesco Lucca. Donizetti's opera "Fausta" in 2 acts premiered on 12.1.1832 at the S. Carlo Theatre in Naples. The following year, on December 26, it was performed with the addition of Symphony at La Scala in Milan. As happened with all his works performed at La Scala, Donizetti ceded the rights to Fausta's score to Ricordi. Concurrently, Francesco Lucca, who had the original score from Naples, made commitments with La Fenice Theater in Venice to sell "Fausta". He was not aware of the existence of the updated, enriched and improved score, which belonged to Ricordi. In this letter, Donizetti clarifies the situation: "lo ignoravo del tutto che tu fossi in contratto col R.Teatro La Fenice di Venezia per lo spartito della Fausta, e perciò scrissi soltanto: Lo Spartito sia quel di Ricordi, e ciò feci, perché Ricordi possiede la vera Sinfonia e lo Spartito come a Milano fu fatto, e come desidero si faccia". He also discusses some changes he is making to the opera (requested by Donzelli; see Zavadini p.340 for reference) and confirms his decision to cede the score to Ricordi, however without intention to harm Lucca (see Zavadini p.34 for reference, which reports a letter from D. to Lucca's lawyer dated 5.12.33). A day before the letter was written, Donizetti was appointed Honorary Chapel Master by the Prince of Salerno, to his utmost satisfaction. The letter is published in Zavadini (n.126 p.341). 1 p. In-4° with autograph address. Minor imperfections.