136

Gioachino Rossini

Document Signed, as Director of the Royal Italian Theatre,

with 8 lines and scattered brief insertions in holograph, contract engaging Filippo Galli to sing and perform in operas for three years, from July 10, 1825 to July 10, 1828. Inscribed on third page. Additionally Galli has signed 5 holograph lines at lower edge of third page. 4 pages, folio, bound in cloth with gilt title stamped on front board; faint scattered foxing, short closed tear at upper edge of signed page, moderate soiling at upper and lower edges, minor contemporary ink stain at right edge of first page, folds.

[Paris], 18 December 1824.

  • Notes: Rossini's holograph lines, beginning "It is further agreed that Sir Filippo Galli will have during the contract a fixed leave of absence . . . ."

    Filippo Galli (1783-1853) was an Italian bass singer who began his career as a tenor in 1801, but whose voice changed after an illness in 1810, later achieving remarkable range and expressivity.

    On November 25, 1824, Rossini became Directeur de la musique et de la scène of Paris's Théâtre royal italien, where he was able to expose the height of French society to some of the best Neapolitan opera, including his own  Semiramide in 1825, and Zelmira in 1826.
  • Condition:
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April 9, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
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