MERCADANTE (Giuseppe Saverio Raffaele). - Lot 207

MERCADANTE (Giuseppe Saverio Raffaele). Born in Altamura (Italy). 1795–1870. Italian composer. DIRECTOR OF THE NAPLES CONSERVATORY. Autograph letter signed “Mercadante” to “Most Noble Knight and Friend” [Don Vincenzo Capecelatro]. No place, July 7, 1858. 1½ pages, in-8 format. Address. Traces of stamps (minor losses). In Italian (French translation). Mercadante notes that he has received no news from Francesco Florimo (the brother of the letter’s recipient) and will inform his correspondent as soon as he does. He takes the opportunity to ask Vincenzo to convey his thanks to his brother Antonio for the interest he has shown in him, as well as to his daughter. His early instrumental works earned him praise from Rossini, but he soon devoted himself to the theater and composed numerous ballets and operas. His international career took him to Spain, France, and Lisbon. Upon his return to Italy in 1839, he was appointed director of the Liceo Musicale in Bologna and choirmaster of San Petronio. The following year, he chose to resign from both positions to take on the even more prestigious role of director of the San Sebastiano College in Naples.