Puccini, Giacomo. (1858–1924) [Mugnone, Leopoldo. (1858–1941)]
Original Telegrams to Mugnone
Pair of original telegrams from the composer to the influential Italian conductor who led, among many others, the premieres of Cavalleria Rusticana and Tosca. Florence, 16.II.1897 and 29. I. 1902. The earlier with Mugnone's autograph draft for a reply. Browned, small tears to margins. 9.5 x 7 inches (24.1 x 17.8 cm.) and 9.3 x 7 inches (23.6 x 17.8 cm.), respectively.1897: "Ricordi avvertemi averti nuovamente telegrafato. Pregoti fare tutto possibile saluti. - Giacomo." With an autograph draft reply in Mugnone's hand, in Italian that "you will understand perfectly well that it would be undecorous for me to return to La Scala for a third time..."
- 29. January 1902: "Lietissimi buone notizia Maria ... Prima Boheme tratterrenci pochi giorni. Scriveremo saluti affettuosi + Puccini +".
The first telegram was sent just 2 weeks following the premiere of La Boheme in Turin on February 1, 1896. The second telegram, from 6 years later, mentions the departure for the Monte Carlo premiere of the opera, to be given a few days later, on Feburary 1, 1902, starring Nellie Melba and Enrico Caruso. (6443)
Signed Document/Item Opera