Autograph letter signed, four pages (on two conjoined sheets - both sides), 8,25 x 10,5 inch, Cerignola, 1.02.1891, in Italian, exceptional letter* of complaints and threats to music editor Giulio Ricordi, written and signed in black ink "P. Mascagni", with intersecting letter folds, and mild signs of wear - in fine condition.
* His letter of January 30 surprised him: it is not long since he discovered these affairs and he sees with sorrow that he is surrounded by infidelities...
In Rome, shortly after the second performance of Cavalleria rusticana, everything was done to force him to commit an ungrateful act: all means were used, telegrams from the lawyer Panattoni, another from Puccini, who later in Milan told him to ignore it...
They wanted to take everything from him, they wanted him to leave for Milan with his Ratcliff who would be accepted automatically... Then they refused to throw him a piece of bread, they threw him out, although he had already received the first prize at the Sonzogno Competition... On June 13, 1888, he went to Naples, where Puccini was, for Le Villi in honor of the friend and master. Mascagni had with him the fourth act of Ratcliff, and promised to bring the score to Ricordi, who could have had it for nothing. Puccini complimented him a lot. Now Ricordi says he has a moral contract with Mascagni, who proposes to discuss this in due course. He has many documents, he feels very strong and is not afraid of anything...
