196.

pp. 400-401

CLET002060

Milan, 26 May 1896

Ing. Tito Ricordi

Hôtel de Bâde, Blvd des Italiens, Paris

Dearest Tito,

I was very pleased to read your letter of this past 24^th. I am familiar with the plot of Thermidor but I believe the rights are already spoken for, quite apart the consideration that, while it is more moving than the plot of Chénier, it is no longer a novelty for the stage. In any event, you would do well to speak with Sardou about it; if nothing else, he will be flatté [flattered].

I know Menozzi quite well, as you describe him; he’s not a man to use as a salesman, but rather simply to employ at the cash register and to take care of the sales accounting. Gross the elder doesn’t have the same physical presence and his eyesight is failing, nonetheless he knows how to sell, knows our catalogue, and he is useful! — But to consider his as a Manager!! That’s a bit much! – Gross the younger has qualities, but he is imprudent!... Better that he first spend some time getting experience in the trenches.

Doubtless a publishing venture in Paris needs to be based on a catalogue of French composers, but we have had little luck thus far with our representatives, who have been either rascals or slackers. We’ll see how this Bordese fellow works out, whether he truly has the qualities he claims to have, and if we can get him at a reasonable price! – You’ll find this out yourself, once you’ve spoken to Souchon.

I won’t even think about the Choudens affair: we would need a huge investment of capital because I’m certain that the cost of obtaining the rights to certain operas would rise to fabulous amounts! However, no harm in your hearing them out and referring back to me.

I approve of your ideas concerning the discounts for Paris: and this can be done, once the Paris affiliate is definitively organized.

I always had good news about you via the letters from [your wife] Cricrì, and I am extremely pleased, nonetheless take good care of yourself. For our part we are doing well, all told; you’ll know more about that from our letters to Cricrì.

Verdi wrote me and sends you both his affectionate best wishes, and the hopes that your stay in Paris will be pleasant. It would be good if you wrote him a few lines of thanks.

Mascagni is enthusiastic about the libretto, in every detail: he finds it challenging but hopes to do a good job with it – we hope he does, as well.

I was very saddened by the passing of our companion of … autumn meals. Ing. Pesaro was found dead of a heart attack on the Milan-Florence train – a great loss for the Edison company!

I await anxiously further news about the affiliate there: no need for you to rush to go to London until you determine whether we can find a good solution for Paris.

Tornaghi sends his cordial regards, and I affectionately embrace you and Cricirì.

Your Father

Tornaghi asks that you remember the Grus-Costa affair.