Éxito

AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED by the Italian-born composer & conductor Michael Costa.

1866 · ref. 33982 — Eccleston St. S.W. London March 13th 1866. 1866. Good. - Over 39 words penned on a 7 inch high by 4-3/8 inch wide sheet of buff paper with an attached blank leaf. Michael Costa writes to arrange a meeting with the recipient: "On Thursday I am engaged in the morning but if you can come in the afternoon at 1/2 past three o'clock." He then closes with "Hoping your cold is better believe me truly yours" signed "M. Costa". Folded twice horizontally for mailing the letter is slightly soiled. Remnants of gray paper adhering to the right edge of the verso of the blank page would suggest that the letter was once mounted in an album. Good. The Italian-born conductor and composer Michael Costa 1808-1884 studied in Naples with his father at the Real Collegia di Musica and later with Niccolo Antonio Zingarelli. Although most of his works disappeared into obscurity he composed a significant number of operas symphonies and cantatas. After a visit to Birmingham he settled in England. In 1830 working as a conductor at His Majesty's Theatre Costa was able to influence many changes there and subsequently at Covent Garden. He was admired by Meyerbeer and Verdi. Having conducted several orchestras he took on English citizenship and was subsequently knighted in 1869. Among those compositions which survived are his ballets "Kenilworth" "Une Heure a Naples" "Sir Huon" and "Alma". His operas "Malek Adhel" and "Don Carlos" were produced in Paris and London. Eccleston St. S.W. [London], March 13th, 1866. unknown