Gobbi, Tito. (1913-1984). Important Autograph Letter, requesting to give his official debut at La Scala. Significant 1-page typed letter from the great young baritone, written at age 23. 8 x 11 inches (20.5 x 28 cm.). Rome, August 4, 1936. Addressed to Jenner Mataloni (artistic director of La Scala from 1932 - 1946), signed, "Tito Gobbi." In Italian, bringing the director up to date on his accomplishments since the La Scala competition earlier that year, and asking if he could give his official debut at La Scala in the next season. In part: "Se questi miei nuovi titoli mi valessero la riconferma per la prossima stagione, ne sarei lieto e orgoglioso. Ho gia alcune proposte, ma il mio sogno e quello di debuttare e farmi onore nel Teatro che prima riconobbe qualche mio merito, e mi accolse nella sua grande scuola" ("If these new titles of mine earned me reconfirmation for next season, I would be happy and proud. I already have some proposals, but my dream is to debut and make myself honored in the Theater that first recognized some of my merits, and welcomed me into its great school"). Small torn portion at top margin, not affecting text or signature, otherwise very fine. Undoubtedly one of the most important letters from the great singer!
Gobbi had made his debut in 1935 in Gubbio, singing the bass role of Count Rodolfo in "La Sonnambula." Though he won first prize in the 1936 La Scala competition, it would not be until 1942 that eventually made his La Scala debut, in the role of Belcore in Donizetti's "L'elisir d'amore." By the time he retired in 1979 he had acquired a repertoire of almost 100 operatic roles and had a worldwide career as operatic baritone. He appeared in (or recorded the singing role) for over 25 films and, from the mid-1960s onward, was the stage director for about ten different operas which were given close to 35 productions throughout Europe and North America, including a significant number in Chicago for the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Gobbi, Tito. (1913-1984). Important Autograph Letter, requesting to give his official debut at La Scala. Significant 1-page typed letter from the great young baritone, written at age 23. 8 x 11 inches (20.5 x 28 cm.). Rome, August 4, 1936. Addressed to Jenner Mataloni (artistic director of La Scala from 1932 - 1946), signed, "Tito Gobbi." In Italian, bringing the director up to date on his accomplishments since the La Scala competition earlier that year, and asking if he could give his official debut at La Scala in the next season. In part: "Se questi miei nuovi titoli mi valessero la riconferma per la prossima stagione, ne sarei lieto e orgoglioso. Ho gia alcune proposte, ma il mio sogno e quello di debuttare e farmi onore nel Teatro che prima riconobbe qualche mio merito, e mi accolse nella sua grande scuola" ("If these new titles of mine earned me reconfirmation for next season, I would be happy and proud. I already have some proposals, but my dream is to debut and make myself honored in the Theater that first recognized some of my merits, and welcomed me into its great school"). Small torn portion at top margin, not affecting text or signature, otherwise very fine. Undoubtedly one of the most important letters from the great singer!
Gobbi had made his debut in 1935 in Gubbio, singing the bass role of Count Rodolfo in "La Sonnambula." Though he won first prize in the 1936 La Scala competition, it would not be until 1942 that eventually made his La Scala debut, in the role of Belcore in Donizetti's "L'elisir d'amore." By the time he retired in 1979 he had acquired a repertoire of almost 100 operatic roles and had a worldwide career as operatic baritone. He appeared in (or recorded the singing role) for over 25 films and, from the mid-1960s onward, was the stage director for about ten different operas which were given close to 35 productions throughout Europe and North America, including a significant number in Chicago for the Lyric Opera of Chicago.