Autograph letter signed from the important Italian opera singer known for his powerful and agile voice and acting skills, to Carlo Severini, the director of the Théâtre Italien in Paris.  London, June 26, 1836; 1 p.  Translated from the Italian), in full: "My dear Severini, Since none of us has understood [?] the De Angioli [?] in the Theater so no one wants to take responsibility for ensuring her comeback.  The fear that she would be vocally indisposed at her concert (though she sang beautifully) put us a little in reserve.  Her mother told me that she would be content with 6,000 francs, if you would like to grant her at least the Barbiere for her début, but I would like you to reply to me by offering her a debut and if she likes it, to give her the 6,000 francs because that would make your bargain secure.  Write to me so that I can have your letter read.  Tamburini delivered to me to your letter and denied me to take charge of this business which helped to discourage me.  I beg you of secrecy, and in your reply speak of the excellent information I gave you of his concert, for otherwise I run the risk of being stoned.  I want to hope that you are fully recovered of the last inconvenience suffered, and and if I turn to serve you remember that here exists the best of your servants, and friends Luigi Lablache." Addressed to Severini, Paris, on the verso. Edges torn and frayed, with minimal loss to text; otherwise in very good condition. 9.75 x 8 inches (25 x 20.2 cm).

Lablache, son of a Frenchman living in Naples and an Irishwoman, became to leading Italian bass of his generation.  He was in demand all over Europe, regularly singing in Paris and London from 1830 to the mid-1850s; in 1852 he made a tour to St. Petersburg, Russia.  "Tamburini" is the Italian baritone Antonio Tamburini (1800–1876), with whom Lablache often shared the stage, e.g. in the original London production of I Puritani. The identity of "De Angioli", obviously a female singer, remains mysterious.