PUCCINI, Giacomo (1858-1924). Italian opera-composer.
Autograph Letter Signed in verse on a postcard to Carlo Clausetti in Milan, Viareggio, 30 November 1917. Mentioning his work on Gianni Schicchi, and lampooning an acquantance.
He has read the Italian story by Mangiagalli¹, which is well described in a lively and clear way. He mentions a slender woman who could interest certain people.

'I read the Indian story
With notes by Mangiagalli
With green [verdi] and yellow [gialli] lines,
And light from overseas.
It seems well described
In a lively and clear way;
It seems not very firm
In action or movement
However ... is well
As a woman of slender shape;
Certain picked people
Could be interested
Forzan² is in Florence, naked,
In front of the recruiting centre
Having his chest measured
To oppose the invader.
I am fairly alone and hope,
Calmly and without hitches
To finish Gianni Schicchi
As soon as I can.'

Clausetti had been director of the Naples branch of Ricordi, with the responsibility not only for distributing Ricordi publications in southern Italy but for the promotion of the works of all composers published by the firm. In this position he encountered Puccini in 1894 and at once formed a special relationship with him - perhaps the closest and most important musical association of Puccini's life. After Giulio Ricordi's death in 1912, Clausetti moved to Milan, and, on Tito Ricordi's withdrawing from the firm in 1919, he assumed its joint directorship with Renzo Valcarenghi.
Puccini enjoyed writing letters in verse, but they rarely appear on the market.

_____________________________
1.Riccardo Pick-Mangiagalli (1882-1949), a critic of Puccini.
2. Giovacchino Forzano (1884-1970). Librettist of two of Puccini's operas.

[No: 26727]