VERDI, Giuseppe (1813-1901). Italian operatic composer.
Autograph Letter Signed to Giuseppe Auteri De Cristoforo in Catania, 1 page 8vo with integral blank and the original envelope, Santa Agata, 18 May 1885. A good letter, evidently to an aspiring composer, thanking him for a composition but declining to pass judgement.

'I reproach myself bitterly for having waited so long to thank you for having been so kind to send me your splendidly ornamented work. I am not given to pass judgment on other people's work, and I hope you will be so good as to forgive me if I do not offer you my opinion in writing but limit myself to simply saying to you, "continue and do not imitate anybody..." This is neither a judgement nor a reproach, and no matter how much you encouraged me in your letter to criticize you, I will only permit myself to thank you and to assure you of my best wishes.'

[No: 23458]