143
9 Dicembre 1892
(riservata)
Poiché Ella fu di mezzo nell’affare di
Io, ho sempre taciuto, aspettando che il Maestro Mascagni adempisse agli impegni già assunti, ed anzi proprio per un riguardo all’artista, non volli disturbarlo ne’ suoi lavori. Ma oramai la data fissata è trascorsa e di molto = e poiché si cominciava a parlare del
Credo affatto superfluo con Lei, sincero amico ed estimatore di Mascagni, entrare in considerazioni sia di ordine morale, sia di ordine legale - ma certo Ella troverà modo e momento opportuno per parlarne confidenzialmente.
Avrei potuto prendere la linea diretta, e scrivere al Mascagni stesso: non lo faccio, appunto per delicato riguardo, e per non venire bruscamente a domandare l’osservanza degli impegni assunti. Credo si apprezzerà tutta la delicatezza di questa linea di condotta.
Stimo altresì superfluo raccomandarle la massima segretezza: e confidando intieramente in Lei per condurre a buon fine ogni cosa, intanto la ringrazio, e con stima cordiale mi ripeto
di Lei Dmo.
Giulio Ricordi
143.
pp. 288-289
CLET002014
9 December 1892
Eg. Sig. E. Checchi
Rome
(confidential)
Given that you were involved in the Florence affair, as a result of which Mascagni signed a contract with our Company, I can think of no one better to turn to now for help in that very regard.
I have always kept quiet, waiting for Maestro Mascagni to meet his obligation, and indeed I did not want to disturb his work in deference to the artist. But the deadline has long since passed, and because there had initially been talk of Ratcliff, I can no longer remain silent.
Surely it would be superfluous for me to enter into the moral and legal aspects of this problem with you, who are both a true friend and an admirer of Mascagni—but certainly you can find the appropriate time and means to speak to him confidentially.
I could have taken the direct route and written to Mascagni myself; but I prefer not to do so, precisely as a matter of delicacy in his regard, and in order to avoid confronting him bluntly to demand that he meet his commitment. I believe all of the consideration I afford him by dealing with the situation in this manner will be appreciated.
I presume it is equally superfluous to ask that you maintain the maximum secrecy, and I am absolutely confident that you will be able to resolve everything to everyone’s satisfaction. Meanwhile my thanks and cordial respects, as always
Yours most sincerely,
Giulio Ricordi
Pietro Mascagni
Guglielmo Ratcliff
Letter name DOC01827.143
Volume Signature DOC01827
Year 1888-1901
Volume 01
Pag 288-289
No. pag 2