PUCCINI, Giacomo (1858-1924)

PUCCINI, Giacomo (1858-1924)

Autograph letter signed « G Puccini » to Antonio Bettolacci
N.p.n.d [Torre del Lago, c. 1900], 3 p. in-8°, in Italian
Marks of previous framing, browning, fold marks

Nice letter from Puccini evoking his opera Tosca

« Caro Bettolacci,
Eccomi a Torre [del lago].
Vorrei vederti – tu mi dirai: sai dove sono – ma ora già mi trovo in piena baraonda e il mio occhio fino e vigile deve gettare lampi per i miei passaporti se mi succedono guai.
Vorrei parlarti circa il caro? – riempimento – Zone – cancellami – quanto? Come? Pensi farli?
Il marchese è di casa? – tu avrai istruzioni in proposito e me le comunicherai – avvertili da domani.
Domenica vado a Pistoia per tornare la sera alle 9, devo collaudare le campane di Tosca.
Lunedì hai occasione di venire al lago? Io resterò tutta la giornata in casa.
Tutto core del tuo
G Puccini »

[Translation]

“Dear Bettolacci,
I have arrived in Torre [del lago].
I would like to see you, you can tell me when: you know where I am; but I am already caught up in chaos, and my fine and vigilant eye must keep a close watch on my passports lest there should be trouble for me.
I would like to talk to you about the expenses – full seating – areas – cancellations; how much? In what way? Do you think we should do it?
The marquis has made himself at home? you will certainly have instructions on the matter and you can tell me about it starting tomorrow
On Sunday I shall go to Pistoia and return at 9 in the evening, I must refine the bells of Tosca.
Will you get a chance to visit on Monday? I am staying at home all day.
Wholeheartedly yours
G Puccini”

The composer alludes to the “campane di Tosca” (Bells of Tosca). These are the bells of the church of San Martino de Bargecchia, whose carillon he imitates in his opera Tosca, created in 1900.
Puccini had a villa in Torre del Lago in Tuscany (province of Lucca), from where an opera festival has been held every year since.