Autograph note from the Italian composer, penned on a newspaper with a review of his opera Il cappello di paglia di Firenze. The newspaper, Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno from Bari, dated February 21, 1965. Note on the newspaper, translated from the Italian: "Dearest, I am sending you this Gazzetta so that in the metropolis of Milan you don't remain oblivious to the splendors of the provinces! Leaving aside many things regarding the execution, I'll say that the positive impression I had was how well the Cappello does in a large theater: he breathes better and makes more effect." Newspaper folded to 8.5 x 12 inches (21.5 x 30 cm). Hole punches and some toning; overall fine.

Nino Rota was a composer, pianist, conductor and academic best known for his film scores, notably for the films of Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti. His opera Il cappello di paglia di Firenze ("The Italian Straw Hat") is written to an Italian-language libretto by the composer and Ernesta Rota, based on the play Le chapeau de paille d'Italie by Eugène Labiche and Marc Michel.