GIUSEPPE VERDI (1813-1901) Italian composer who helped develop opera into a fully integrated art form, his works include "Il Travatore", "La Traviata ", "Aida ", and "Don Carlos ", to name but a few. Fine and rare A.L.S. "G. Verdi", written at the conclusion of a lengthy letter by GIUSEPPINA VERDI, 4pp. 8vo., Busseto, Apr. 26, 1866, in Italian to Signore Gianello. Giuseppina's letter reads, in part: "...The Parrot is here in my room near the sun, sleeping while keeping warm, after having eaten some of the different things offered, a little polenta. He seems to me to be really sweet, because he gives his foot, comes on my shoulders and was even generous, in his own way, with some kisses—signs that he likes me, which I accepted with much prudence and maybe even with some fear. I am skimming through some books to see what food, what needs, what kind of furniture would be appropriate for little Lagouin, when a letter of Mariani announced to me, to my regret, its premature end. She assures us, however, how others of those charming little animals are about to arrive to her, and that one of them is destined for me by her exquisite courtesy...Truly, if, on the one hand, there is exuberance in giving, there is, on the other hand, more than (I don't want to write the word) in receiving! And with this verb "receive", Verdi and I, are becoming, I would say, not only two indiscrete individuals, but almost scandalous. We thank you heartily, but with a face that is a little red, because, in short, we have no entitlement with you, to be overwhelmed with such kindness, done [illegible], delicately and without joking...I yield the pen to Verdi, who wants to write you a word with his own hand...". Verdi then adds in holograph, in full: "I have left to my wife the honor of responding to you at length (pressed by the great quantity of work ... Permit me, though, to add a line to thank you sincerely for all the many kindnesses that it has pleased you to lavish on us, and I hope that with time we will come to a greater and more intimate knowledge of each other. I want, however, even now to be counted among your friends. G. Verdi ". Verdi is likely referring to his new work Don Carlo , which premiered the following year, commissioned by the Paris Opera. Lightly foxed folds, a bit of separation thereon at margins, overall very good condition. $3,500-4,500