Jul 30, 2020 - Sale 2543

Sale 2543 - Lot 141

Price Realized: $ 344
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 500 - $ 750
FARRAR, GERALDINE. Group of 15 items, each Signed, "GerryFarrar" or "Geraldine," to Enrico Caruso's secretary Bruno Zirato, Caruso's son Enrico, and others, including 9 Autograph Letters, three Typed Letters, two Autograph Notes, and an inscribed book. The letters, many on professional topics, in English and French. Together 33 pages, 4to or smaller, most on personal or hotel stationery; generally good condition. 4 with the original envelope. The notes, sending thanks. Each 1 page, 12mo or 16mo. The book, Farrar. Such Sweet Compulsion. Signed and Inscribed: "For Mimmi [Enrico] Caruso / whom I remember / well as a little chap / coming to see me / with his father, and / my friend / With very good wish, Sincerely," on the front free endpaper. 8vo, publisher's cloth. Later printing. Vp, 1908-64

Additional Details

16 February 1950, to "Dear Mr. Alexander": ". . . The Met is having some gossip; it seems that Traubel and Melchior were not given much encouragement re new contracts; the omission has been repaired with the lady, but the tenor is still out in the cold; rather shabby I think, after his long tenure . . . ."
30 October 1952, to "Dear Mr. Riemens": ". . . Our elections are a few days away; it has been a jungle war fare [sic], of which we should be ashamed; the tactics employed on both sides are far from ethical or sportsmanlike; I had not intended to vote . . . but . . . . I am voting . . . ."
19 April 1954, to "Dear Mr. Hathaway": ". . . [C]ertainly NOT was there any deviation in the BUTTERFLY text of the Farrar-Caruso duet; it is incomprehensible how any one could imagine they hear such a silly thing, as the Italian text is very clear. . . ."
31 May 1960, to Bruno Zirato: ". . . The beautiful golden days are now but an imperishable memory. I will not sully them. . . ."
17 September 1964, to "Dear Mr. Johns": ". . . We lost that dear and gentle spirit, Galli-Curci--a particular friend of mine. . . .
"Miss Sutherland has fine success here, and her husband also, a happy combination. Our opera is now organizing with the various unions that invade the Temple of the Muses--but in the end, matters will be arranged, and the public will pay a higher price, in consequence! . . ."
With--(Geraldine Farrar.) Over 50 photographs, unsigned, most postcards, each showing her, most in costume from her early career, most with blank correspondence side. 12mo or 8x10 inches; generally good condition.