GIACOMO PUCCINI Early A.L.S. signed twice "G. Puccini", at conclusion and in text, in Italian, 2pp., 8vo, Lucca, June 26, 1891. To his music publisher Giulio Ricordi about his second opera Edgar which premiered in 1889. Puccini writes: "...The baretti's arrived together and tomorrow Francesconi will leave for Florence to come to terms with Giani...I ask you to issue orders to have a copy of the vocal score sent to Serbella in Parma; in addition I ask you to have an advance notice prepared along the following lines: Lucca Teatro Communale del Giglio [Municipal Theatre of the Lily – Lucca]. Advance notice: In the season starting next September the grand opera Edgar by G. Puccini will be given. The first performance will be in the lst week of September. A large simple stripe with Edgar in very large letters in blue or black, as you wish, will be best. I will be going to the country at the beginning of next week ...". Puccini revised Edgar several times, aided and encouraged by Ricordi, who was not daunted by the opera's lack of success. His confidence in Puccini was rewarded when Manon Lescaut premiered in 1893 to great success. Letters about Puccini's early failure Edgar was rare. Even toning, very good. $1,000-1,200