COSTA (Pasquale Mario, 1858-1933, Italian composer)

Long autograph letter signed to 'Dearest Signora', Mme Ernesta Stern, saying he is just back "from Taranto, and tomorrow ... I have to set off for London to confer with my Publisher", but asking if they can meet the next week to "talk about the Pantomime and the difficulties which have hindered and do hinder me from setting your work, which I like exceedingly, to music at this time ... I say it with all frankness and sincerity as an artist, that I will be very happy to collaborate with you who are so kind and who sheds lustre on our country in every way", he refers to his commitments, adding "To adapt my popular songs which do not belong to my new Publisher is not feasible artistically ... because the action runs on continuously and the music ought to accompany it. This evening I am going to hear from Poliakoff" and will ask Barthélemy to visit Mme Stern and explain "all the reasons which are paralysing the fulfilment of my desire ... better than I have done in writing ... Believe me meanwhile your most devoted", 4 sides 8vo, Splendid Hotel, Avenue Carnot, Paris, 13th January

Mme Stern, née Hierschel, the wife of financier Louis Stern, kept a brilliant salon at 68 rue du Faubourg St. Honoré, almost opposite the Élysée Palace. Costa, born at Taranto, set popular songs in Neapolitan, French, and English to music, accompanying himself on the piano, besides writing the music for pantomimes and light comedies.

Item Date:  1913

Stock No:  17802      £225

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