[Caruso, Enrico. (1873-1921)] Zirato, Bruno. [Morgana, Nina. (1892 - 1986)]
Group of Letters about Caruso's illness and death
Interesting group of four signed letters from Caruso's secretary/manager/biographer (later manager of the Philharmonic Society of NY and of Lily Pons, among others) to Harry Brunswick Loeb, music critic and owner of a New Orleans music store. With the exception of the first, all concerning Caruso's final illness, as follows:ALS, 4 pp. November 3 [no year]. A remarkable letter thanking Loeb for the introduction to Nina Morgana, the coloratura soprano who Zirato later married in 1920, with Caruso serving as Best Man. In full: "Thank you! Oh you are such a dear! NINA MORGANA is a delightful girl...you said it. I met her just a few....days ago and I agree with you. She is singing tonight in Ohio, Youngstown. Glad you wrote those 487 lines. I could read him [Caruso] in 39 seconds....swallowing the notes as our dear American singers of fame!...Will send you my picture soon. For [w]hose to like it...it is only ME. No group...Remember me to your charming sister. Today I typewrote for you a postal from the Boss. Ne m'oubliez pas e souvenez-vous de moi quand en quand. Sincerement, Zirato." Usual folds, vertical remnants of old tape along center, else fine.
TLS, 1 page. February 4th, 1921. In part: "I tell you that Mr. Caruso is convalescing very nicely and as rapidly as possible by empyema [sic] is a very annoying and tireseome and long sickness. You might have heard of it. My very best regards to you and Mr. Caruso's thanks for your kind and good wishes very much appreciated indeed. And remember me to your Beautiful Sister and Nina [Morgana]and Angie send to you both their love. Yours, Bruno!" Usual folds, mounting traces on verso, else fine.
TLS, 1 page. March 4th, 1921. In full: "Dear Old Boy, Your letter received...Oh God how sorry I am...Poor Harry to pass through such an awful pain and I know what a surgeon means too...I saw them enough....Our dear Caruso knows more than you and me...Thank God He is without fever for the last 48 hours....It is a relief...Everything is going fine now....We will keep up our faith. Best wishes to you Old Chap and Love from Angie, Nina and Bruno!" Usual folds, mounting traces on verso, else fine.
TLS, 1 page. September 26, 1921 [approx. 6 weeks after Caruso's death]. In full: "My dear Harry, Thank you....I have no words. I just know that you loved Him and adored His Art. I am still heartbroken at the unbelievable news and think that the terrible shock will last for a long time to come. Oh, Harry, how impossible is to believe. I cannot write anymore. I lost all my energy...everything. Be good. Don't forget us please. Affections from Nina and Yours as Ever, Bruno." Usual folds, mounting traces on verso, else fine.
During a performance of L'elisir d'amore at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on December 11, 1920, Caruso suffered a throat haemorrhage and the performance was canceled at the end of Act 1. Following this incident, a clearly unwell Caruso gave only three more performances at the Met, the final one being as Eléazar in Halévy's La Juive, on December 21, 1920. The following week, in extreme pain, Caruso was diagnosed with purulent pleurisy and empyema. Caruso's health deteriorated further during the new year and he experienced episodes of intense pain because of the infection and underwent seven surgical procedures to drain fluid from his chest and lungs. He died in Naples on August 2, 1921 at the age of 48. (6036)
Autograph Letter Opera