PUCCINI, GIACOMO. (1858-1924). Modern Italy’s most successful opera composer after Verdi. APCS. (“G Puccini”). 1p. APCS. Acqui Terme, June 29, 1904. To “Maestro Cortopassi,” likely the Italian composer and conductor DOMENICO CORTOPASSI, (1875-1961). In Italian with translation.

“Excellent Maestro

I find myself in the mud baths and here I do not have any copies of Butt:[erfly]. I wrote to have one sent to you... and I cannot write or ask. I will do so gladly at the next opportunity. Best regards…”

Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, inspired by David Belasco’s one-act play of the same name, premiered February 17, 1904, at Milan’s La Scala. The composer’s confidence in the work prompted him to uncharacteristically invite his family to the premiere, which was a disaster. Contrary to convention, the audience remained in silence for most of the first act. But silence soon deteriorated into mockery that lasted until the melodramatic end. Madame Butterfly’s poor reception did not discourage Puccini. He immediately set about revising the work, presenting a three-act version at Brescia on May 28, 1904, which was a success. “With the triumph of Brescia behind him Puccini could devote more attention to his health; hence a fortnight spent at the mud-baths of Acqui Terme north of Genoa for his leg,” (Puccini: His Life and Works, Budden). In our note, Puccini was likely explaining his wish to have a copy of the new version of Madame Butterfly sent to Cortopassi.

Domenico Cortopassi was a composer and active as a conductor in Tuscany, Liguria and North Africa. He conducted Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West at the inauguration of Tripoli’s Politeama theater.

Age toned with edge wear, some creasing and staining. Ink postal cancellations on the verso.