144
Milano 15 Dicembre 1892=
Quanto a ciò che asserisce il M.° Mascagni circa all’aver mostrato il contratto, o datone notizia ai Sigri
Il Maestro Mascagni dice: lasciamo passare il 93 = e che si rimette alla sua corrispondenza 91. Non è cosa ammissibile. Se il di lui contratto coll’
Mi scordavo, in merito al contratto, fare il rimarco, che io stesso l’ho sigillato in busta, e chiuso in cassa, cosicché nemmeno c’è il dubbio che possa essere stato visto né dal Cassiere, né da alcun impiegato!! -
Sorvolo su di molte altre considerazioni, giacché credo più che sufficiente quanto le ho esposto. Le sarò grato s’Ella vorrà nuovamente occuparsi di quest’affare, non desiderando, né credendo opportuno che altri per ora vi ponga mano: le ripeto i miei ringraziamenti, mentre cordialmente la saluto e con stima mi ripeto
di Lei dmo.
Giulio Ricordi
144.
pp. 290-292
CLET002015
Milan, 15 December 1892
Sig. Eugenio Checchi
(personal) Rome
Having received your esteemed letter of the 12th of this month, may I begin by thanking you sincerely for what you have so courteously done. You have understood the situation perfectly. I cannot allow consideration for M. Mascagni’s erroneous recollection of the deadline, but rather only the clear and precise commitment he made with the Company that I represent. As I have already written, I believe I have demonstrated genuine deference in the Maestro’s regard, leaving him undisturbed to work, while I could well have demanded that he observe the terms of his contract, which I drew up directly in his presence and which was read and re-read and approved [by him]. Therefore I have no reason whatsoever to consider some other commitment he made: this is entirely the Maestro’s responsibility toward someone else.
Furthermore, M. Mascagni’s claim that the contract was shown to or discussed with Sig.ri Puccini and Soffredini is absolutely foolish and does not merit discussion! since one must be truly naïve to think that I would go sharing my business affairs with this or that person, much less with other composers!!.... For my part I could say then that it was Sig. Mascagni who told others about it in order to create embarrassment!... No indeed, it is not worth it to discuss such things, which I will say again are absolute foolishness.
Maestro Mascagni says: let’s give '93 a pass, and then he returns to his correspondence from '91. This is not admissible. If his contract with the publisher Sonzogno ends in 1892 and he can extend it for another 2 years, we are talking about '93-'94 and not just '93! As far as the correspondence goes, there is nothing in it of any substance, because he only refers to the same old story of how the contract was exposed to others. I would like to remind M. Mascagni of what I answered then, which I fully confirm today. How painful it would be for me to have to resort to legal action!!.. then again, perhaps M. Mascagni would appreciate the opportunity to sue these other persons, beginning with Sig.ri Puccini and Soffredini whom he so doggedly indicates!.... But… I repeat, I am averse to lawyers, to courts, to legal suits, and it takes every bit of strength I have to drag myself there. My deference toward composers has been unfailing: this was my attitude toward M. Mascagni, and I would like it to remain so. But let us speak in positive terms: How and in what way does M. Mascagni believe he can find an equitable solution, one that preserves his tranquility on the one hand, and that on the other guarantees me, in the most explicit manner, that the contract will be honored in every detail?... If he proposes something practical, I will examine it impartially, and I will more than happy if we can reach an agreement that is satisfactory for us both.
I forgot to mention, with regard to the contract, that I have personally sealed it in an envelope and put it in the safe, so that there can be no doubt it was ever seen by the Cashier or any employee!!-
Many other considerations can be left aside for now, since I believe what I have already said is more than sufficient. I would be grateful if you were to concern yourself once again with this affair, since I neither desire nor find it opportune that others have a hand in it for now. Again my thanks, together with my cordial greetings and esteem, as always
Yours most sincerely,
Giulio Ricordi