MASCAGNI, PIETRO. Two items, each Signed "P Mascagni": Autograph Letter * Photograph dated. The letter, to La Scala Orchestral Society President Romeo Orsi, in Italian, accepting his invitation to conduct the Grand Orchestral Concerts at the La Scala Theatre in Milan. 2 pages, small 8vo, written on the first and terminal pages of a folded sheet; horizontal fold. The photograph, a cabinet card half-length portrait by Guigoni & Bossi, showing him seated in profile. Signed in the image, upper right. 6½x4 inches; faint dampstains along left edge (not affecting portrait), slight smudge to "s" of signature. - Pesaro, 15 November 1897; Rome, 20 May 1901

1897: ". . . Even though I feel inadequate for such an honor, I accept with pleasure the difficult task ahead with the hope that I will succeed by applying all my zeal and good will. . . .
"With regard to the conditions of the contract . . . I leave it entirely up to you and the management. I would like to point out that it is already a great satisfaction for me to be able to conduct such a famous orchestra in an important group of concerts."
Between March and April of 1898, Mascagni conducted five concerts at La Scala including works by Verdi, Rossini, and others.