166 / 230
WRITTEN DURINGTHE GREATTENOR’S FINAL DAYS
229
●
CARUSO, ENRICO. Autograph Letter Signed, “Caruso,” to General Manager of
the NY Metropolitan Opera Giulio Gatti-Casazza (“Dearest Don Giulio”), in Italian,
explaining that the account of his having lost his voice is a fabrication, conveying that his
public denial of this account has made a favorable impression, and adding that he is feeling
better every day except for a pain in the shoulder. 8 pages, 8vo, written on two folded
sheets, four pages written vertically; folds.
Sorrento, 12 July 1921
[2,000/3,000]
“
. . . I had already telegraphed Signore Ziegler, the Progresso, the Bollitino, and all the press agencies,
national and foreign, because I was sickened by all the others denying the falsities concerning me and .
. . they’re appeased since [Caruso’s secretary Bruno] Zirato . . . tells me that my denial has made a . .
. good impression. . . .
“
When I arrived here an American family arrived with me, with whom we didn’t exchange even a
glance. After a few days it was learned that the American signore . . . had left for America on the
PresidentWilson.This signore was named Fulton . . . . [I]t began to rain telegrams from America and
from Rome, where they were saying that a certain captain Fulton, who was coming from Sorrento . . .
had declared that he had made my acquaintance and that I had declared to him that I had completely
lost my voice. . . . [I]magine my surprise, given that, with this signore, I had never exchanged a single
word and . . . [t]o make matters worse, the officials on board—buffoons—of the PresidentWilson who
said that I had not been able to sing on board . . . because I didn’t have a voice. . . . [I]f perhaps they
would have asked I wouldn’t have been forced to entertain dandies and fops like certain big fat officials
who were on that ship. My denial put things right and thank God I continue to get better every day
with regaining my strength.
“
Yesterday I tested my voice, which is better than earlier, but the only inconvenience is that I feel a lit-
tle pain in my shoulder . . . .”