Lot 952
GIACOMO PUCCINI
(1858 - 1924) Italian operatic composer whose works include La Boheme, Tosca and Madame Butterfly. Fine association typed D.S. 3pp. legal folio, Milan, Aug. 30, 1915, a contract between Puccini and famed publishers G. Ricordi signed during a strained time of their long-time relationship for a work entitled "Two little wooden shoes". In 1912, head of Ricordi Giulio Ricordi passed away and the company was taken over by his son, Tito II. Tito aimed to expand his father's business into more commercial venues, and had little patience for Puccini, who had suffered several disappointing years. In 1913, Puccini offered Ricordi his work "La Rondine," who declined, their relationship worsened considerably. At the same time, Puccini had become interested in a tale by English novelist Louise Marie Rame, who wrote under the pseudonym Ouida. A minor sentimental work originally published in 1876 as Bebee; or Two little wooden shoes , it tells the story of a foundling girl Bebee brought up by a simple peasant who dies when she is sixteen. A Parisian painter, Flammen, takes an interest in the beautiful Bebee and persuades her to model for him. The two fall in love; however their happiness is crushed by the growing hostility of the girl's village towards the painter which forces his departure to Paris. Bebee eventually finds her way back to Flammen and dies at his door in the snow, her identity recognized only by her "two little wooden shoes". Ouida had moved to Italy in 1908, and resided in poverty in Viareggio until her death, close to Puccini's summer home in Torre del Lago. Composer Pietro Mascagni purchased the rights for the story upon her death with the intention of writing an opera. Possibly spurred by a rivalry with his friend, Puccini too took an interest in the story and began a court action to quash its sale to Mascagni and instead put up the work for public auction to pay Ouida's creditors. Puccini won this suit and the sale of Ouida's effects was held on March 22, 1915. Ricordi purchased the piece and Puccini hired Giuseppe Adami to write the libretto This contract signed four months after the firm acquired the story, ratifies Puccini's agreement to produce the opera and binds Puccini and Ricordi in the creation of "Two little wooden shoes". In part: "...Mr. Giacomo Puccini cedes, sells and transfers permanently to said G. Ricordi & C. of Milan, by himself, his successors...absolute, universal and exclusive rights for the whole and part of the musical work...I DUE ZOCCOLETTI by Giuseppe Adami, based on the novel 'Two little wooden shoes' by Ouida...This contract gives the rights...Puccini in his capacity as writer of the music for the opera I due Zocoletti...is obligated to bring about to the opera all...modifications...asked at any time...by G. Ricordi & C. and this without remuneration...the modifications and additions will remain the property of G. Ricordi...L. 50,000 will be paid by G. Ricordi & C. to Mr. Giacomo Puccini...". Additionally signed by TITO RICORDI on behalf of the firm. Around October 1915, Puccini lost interest in producing the opera and, to the annoyance of Ricordi, immersed himself in creating "La Rondine" instead. He abandoned the "Two little wooden shoes" project altogether in 1916 claiming that it was too minor a piece to bother with. Ironically, Mascagni would eventually write a lyric opera based on Ouida's tale entitled "Lodoletta" in 1917. Thought certainly not considered Mascagni's best effort, "Lodoletta" still achieved success, perhaps because it offered a light respite from World War I. This contract, additionally, bears an excellent and quite interesting provenance. Puccini had requested membership into the Fascist Party and was an early supporter in the election of 1919 during which the Party was roundly defeated. After his death, the Fascist Party embraced Puccini as its cultural hero. The heir of his father's popularity, Puccini's son Antonio (1886-1946) was also celebrated by the party. During World War II, an American K-9 unit going through Torre del Lago came upon Antonio at his family's villa surrounded by angry villagers about to torch the place. A G.I. intervened asked if the unit could stay at the estate. The villagers agreed. Naturally, while there the soldiers helped themselves to some of Puccini's belongings...including this contract! Obtained by us from a direct descendent of one of the soldiers who inadvertently saved this particular musical artifact. Very good condition.
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