Coq

Brown, Chamberlain; Liazza, Francesco; Gallo, Fortune; de Mette, Stella [aka: de Mette-Liazza, Stella].Biblio.com

AN ARCHIVE of CORRESPONDENCE mostly consisting of SIGNED LETTERS from the OPERATIC MEZZO-SOPRANO STELLA DE METTE who encouraged by Enrico Caruso studied and starred in Opera. All are addressed to her manager Chamberlain Brown and she mentions her admiration for the dancer Stasia Ledowa and the contralto Ina Bourskaya her pleasure at so many performances of Carmen. She mentions her hectic performance schedule her disagreements with the Italian Opera Impressario Fortune Gallo of San Carlo Opera and her displeasure with the "new" Carmen Lorna Doone Jaxon.

19221004731922-1935. 1922-1935. Very good. - The collection consists of: 18 Autograph letters signed 20 Typed letters signed an unsigned Autograph letter an unsigned Typed letter and a contract signed by Stella de Mette and 4 Typed letters from Francesco Liazza together with autograph drafts of letters by Brown on 3 of the de Mette pieces.1. St. Louis MO March 10 1922. Autograph Letter Signed on both sides of a 3-3/8 X 5-1/4 inch card addressed to Mr. Brown expressing her boredom. "All I've been doing is attending social affairs & living a most monotonous life - as society does not in the least appeal to me." Signed "Stella de Mette-Liazza".2. New York City April 21 1922. Autograph Letter Signed on 2 sides of a folded 6-1/2 X 5 inch folded sheet of note paper addressed to Mr. Brown suggesting a meeting with him. Signed "Stella de M. Liazza".3. Hotel Schuyler Arms NYC June 8 1922. Autograph Letter Signed on both sides of her personal 10-1/2 X 6-1/2 inch monogramed letterhead addressed to Mr. Brown requesting that he make an appointment with her friend Anna Lorraine a "dramatic artist". "Anticipated hearing from you three or four weeks ago - but no doubt things didn't materialize." Signed "Stella de Mette-Liazza".4. Alvin Theatre-San Carlo Opera Co. Pittsburgh PA. December 8 1922. Autograph Letter Signed on 3 of 4 sides of 6-1/4 X 5-1/8 inch "The Washington Washington D.C." note paper. She addresses Mr. Brown introducing "Miss Stasia Ledowa - you no doubt have admired her splendid work with the San Carlo at the Century - just recently. She is a REAL artist." Stasia Ledowa was premiere danseuse with the Chicago Opera Company. Signed "Stella de Mette".5. Draft of a letter from Chamberlain Brown to Stella de Mette 9 lines written over the top of a typed letter from Stella de Mette in which she informs Brown that she is "hard at work - studying Carmen - the first time in my career that I have taken this opera seriously.Want to thank you again & again for the big interest you take in me & hope at some future date we can do something really worth while." Signed "Mrs. Francesco Liazza" on "San Carlo Opera Co. Orchestra / Francesco Liazza Manager" letterhead. In his draft Brown writes that he heard Frances "Peralta as 'Carmen' the other night and she was really excellent. She gave a rare intelligent performance with several new ideas that pulled a Jeritza on the audience. At the end of the third act instead of standing still she lit the cigarette and did a complete fall on the ground and started the card scene over again. By the time Don Jose arrives at her she yells 'La Mort' and tears the cards to pieces giving Jose a look - realizing he is the man to kill her and then with great emotion pulled a second act 'Tosca'". Accompanied by the carbon of Brown's typed letter dated June 27 1924.6. July 19 1924. Autograph Letter Signed on both sides of a sheet of 11 X 8-1/2 inch letterhead from "The Kemper Lane / Cincinnati" Addressing Brown as "My dear friend" asking him to "please hold your thumbs for me on Mon. night. They are putting on Carmen just for me & am opening in this.P.S. Francesco will wire you after perf. & I would be very grateful if you could get this in some of the N.Y. papers". Signed "Stella de Mette".7. March 15 1925. Autograph Letter Signed on 3 sides of 2 sheets of 8-1/2 X 5-3/8 "The Newhouse Hotel / Salt Lake City Utah" letterhead. Addressing Brown as "Dear friend" de Mette encloses "the splendid notices I rec'd this season". Not here present. Signed "Stella de Mette".8. Philadelphia PA. October 23 1925. One-page Typed Letter Signed on 11 X 8-1/2 inch "San Carlo Opera Co. Orchestra / Francesco Liazza Manager" letterhead. Addressing Brown as "Dear 'Manager": de Mette writes that she was "furious on Tues. night. That Dumb-bell Franco Tafuro simply ruined my Carmen. The notices are good but were better last year when Manuel Salazar was my Don Jose. He simply stood like a wooden man all evening & I might as well have been playing to the chair.Francesco thinks some one is working against me here & I hope that you can get me away from here next season.I am heartily sick & tired of this D--- company." Signed "Stella". The right edge of the letter is chipped.9. Detroit Mich. November 14 1925. Typed Letter Signed on 2 sides of 11 X 8-1/2 inch "Fort Pitt Hotel / Pittsburgh Pa" letterhead. A long chatty letter: "Last week was a hard one - viz: Mon.night - Carmen Tues. Amneris Wed. matinee - Hansel & Gretel & Sat. matinee Lohengrin also Forza on Sunday night.The next Carmen will be sung by Alice Gentle - she has Tafuro for Don Jose the opening night in New Orleans - I wish her luck. He certainly queered my Carmen in Phila. & the first one here.How I'd have love to have been at the opening of the Met. dear Matzenauer I know she was glorious. I adore her. long may she reign Queen of Mezzos". Signed "Stella". There are scattered ink jottings at the end of the letter perhaps notes by Brown.10. New Orleans La. December 3 1925. Typed letter unsigned on both sides of 11 X 8-1/2 inch "The Brown Hotel / Louisville Ky" letterhead. Addressing Brown as "Dear Manager" de Mette writes that "We are rehearsing several hours each day - Fra Diavolo.Maestro wants me to learn a new role - the countess in Andrea Chenier we give it the last week & the blind woman also which I have sung many times Francesco doesn't want me to do any more favors to the management so I don't know what shall happen. I certainly am getting an awful deal this season at the hands of the management. I told you that would happen as it's because I wouldn't sign that contract with Fortune Gallo.This must positively be my last year in this Co. I am thoroughly disgusted & discouraged. Suppose I will have all the Carmens on the coast being Gentle is not with us anymore. Feel like giving my notice as I know I shall be roasted to a cinder under the circumstances." The letter is lacking a second sheet with de Mette's signature. The last line reads "With many good wishes from Francesco & I also to Lyman & hope to hear from.".11. New Orleans La. December 20 1925. Typed Letter Signed on both sides of 11 X 8-1/2 inch "San Carlo Grand Opera Company / Fortune Gallo Impresario" letterhead. de Mette addresses Brown as "Dear Manager". "Mr. Fortune Gallo came here a few days ago & yesterday had a long session with Francesco regarding me. At first he was very indifferent - saying if I didn't like things I could give him my two weeks notice - just calling a bluff but when he realized my husband accepted same & would permit me to remain in Co. no longer he changed his attitude and begged Francesco to let me stay & F. said 'No it's too late. You see he told him some one else was coming to sing Carmen on the coast & I shall not be humiliated any more in this Co. by giving up my best role to some one else far inferior to me." She then speculates as to who the new Carmen might be- "could it be Marguerite Sylva.that Mexican Consuelo Escobar.Perhaps this Rhea Toniolo" "I sang the countess in Andrea Chenier.also did the blind woman in third act & had the house in tears - even the chorus were weeping." Signed "Your disappointed Carmen. Stella de M.L." The original envelope stamped "Special Delivery" is included.12. Waco Texas. January 4 1926. Typed Letter Signed on both sides of 11 X 8-1/2 inch "The Raleigh Waco Texas / The Blackstone Tyler Texas" letterhead. Addressing Brown as "Dear Sir Chamberlain" de Mette writes of her disappointment in not hearing from him after writing to him of her resignation with the San Carlo Company. "The real truth that G. Fortune Gallo has been so horrid to me this year is that I did not sign the five year contract with him & told a friend of our's that he didn't want anything more to do with de Mette that I was most ungrateful after he had made me & also said 'We shall see what this Chamberlain Brown can do for her'.It certainly infuriated him when he discovered that you had taken me under your wing." Signed "Stella de M.L."13. Los Angeles CA. January 20 1926. Typed Letter Signed on 1 & 1/2 sides of 11 X 8-1/2 inch "The Gunter / San Antonio Texas" letterhead. "Dear Manager: Was so relieved in receiving your nice letter.We were certainly pleased that you were of the same opinion regarding my leaving the San Carlo.You know they advertised me all over Texas & the last week in Texas from El Paso to Arizona Phoenix the Co. played on guarantee a certain Mr. Johnston who engaged Co. has not yet paid Gallo - because I did not appear & he was so disgusted with Toniolo that he had them play another performance Rigoletto instead of Carmen." Signed "Stella".14. Los Angeles CA. January 27 1926. Autograph Letter Signed written on both sides of 10-1/2 X 7-1/4 inch "The Huntington Pasadena California" letterhead. "Hello there! Enclosed clippings speak for themselves. I am certainly getting a lot of revenge & the Western Mgt is very much displeased with both my successors. Signed "Stella".15. Los Angeles CA. January 31 1926. Als written 1 & 1/2 sides of 10-1/2 X 7-1/4 inch "The Huntington Pasadena California" letterhead. "Dear Sir Chamberlain: Just heard Alice Gentle is engaged for Ravinia Park this next summer to replace Florence Easton - so that means that she is going there to do soprano roles this time. I wonder if he has his mezzo - you know last season he promised to engage me this next season." Signed "Stella".16. San Francisco CA February 26 1926. Typed Letter Signed on 1 & 1/2 sides of 11 X 8-1/2 inch "The Gunter / San Antonio Texas" letterhead. "Dear Manager: Just now rec'd telegram & I am so happy over good news.Please do write & tell me all about this Shubert engagement.If it should be a production or anything new to me I want to get busy & study same as I am always ready with my work." Signed "Stella de Mette-Liazza".17. Los Angeles CA. March 16 1926. Autograph Letter Signed written on 4 sides of 6-3/8 X 5 inch notepaper. de Mette writes for details regarding the Shubert engagement. She has been enjoying her recitals with the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Walter Henry Rothwell. "Mr. Piazza the Western Orpheum agent is trying to persuade me to try vaudeville - but I fear you may not approve." Signed "Stella de M.L."18. St. Louis MO. March 29 1926. Autograph Letter Signed written on 4 sides of 6-3/8 X 5 inch notepaper. "Dear Sir Chamberlain - Well -What has happened". de Mette writes of her depression as a result of her dealings with Fortune Gallo. She makes a snide remark concerning Lorna Doone Jaxon "the WONDERFUL NEW Carmen! Discovered by Gallo." Signed "Stella de M.L."19. St. Louis MO. April 25 1926. Autograph Letter Signed written on 3 of 4 sides of 6-3/8 X 5 inch notepaper. de Mette disappointed that the Shubert engagement fell through writes that she is "horribly discouraged & don't feel like returning to N.Y. at all". Signed "Stella de M.L.".20. St. Louis MO. May22 1926. Tls on 2 sides of 11 X 8-1/2 inch "Hotel Empire / New York City" letterhead. The letter follows a meeting between Brown and Francesco Liazza. "Your ideas are really splendid. However I haven't the slightest idea of returning with Gallo - much sooner will never sing again in public. Gallo as you know pays very little - he is never on the level & his contracts are always pro Gallo. Naturally I left the Company & would never go to Gallo & ask to be re-engaged.I really think I have gotten all out of that Co. that I can ever expect." Signed "Stella de Mette-Liazza".21. St. Louis MO. June 19 1926. Typed Letter Signed on one side of 11 X 8-1/2 inch "San Carlo Opera Co. Orchestra" letterhead. "Dear Friend: Have been awaiting news from you for many moons.My idea is to commercializ next season & then go to Italy for a season or two & then something BIG should develop." Signed "Stella de Mette". On the verso of the letter Brown has written a draft reply: "I am starting to produce my own play this week. I hope I shall star you --- soon".22. St. Louis MO. June 27 1926. Autograph Letter Signed on 1 & 1/2 sides of 11 X 8-1/2 "Lutheran Hospital / St. Louis MO." letterhead. The letter mainly concerns her husbands' recent operation. Signed "Devotedly Stella".23. St. Louis. July 20 1926. Typed Letter Signed on 1 & 1/2 sides of "San Carlo Opera Co. Orchestra" letterhead. ".a queer telegram came - signed by Aurelio Gallo of course I do not believe Aurelio ever sent it offering me Asheville engagement to sing the following roles: Forza del Destino Juliette in Tales of Hoffman & Aida. I answered telegram if Carmen were in repertoire I insisted on doing same or I should not consider engagement. After that Gallo wrote Fortune Gallo to Francesco in fact sent two letters being very desirous of engaging me but it was plain to see that some one else was to sing Carmen this season. "Signed "Stella de Mette-Liazza".24. Detroit Mich. September 28 1926. Autograph Letter Signed on one side of 10-1/2 X 7-1/4 inch "Savoy" Detroit letterhead. A complaint about Brown's silence. Signed "Stella de Mette".25. Philadelphia PA. November 2 1926. Typed Letter Signed from Francesco Liazza on 1 & 1/4 inch sides of his personal "San Carlo Opera Co. Orchestra" letterhead. Liazza writes Brown concerning the undermining of his wife in New Orleans. ".there is something peculiar & some one is against Stella - of course I know G. is at the bottom of this plot.We play at the Tulane Theatre. The Manager of the house Mr. Campbell very friendly with Mr. G.The New Orleans Picayune deliberately knocks her no matter what she sings - gives her credit for nothing & some one is influencing this critic." Signed "Francesco Liazza".26. Pittsburgh PA. November 9 1926. Typed Letter Signed on one side of 11 X 8-1/2 inch "Firt Pitt Hotel / Pittsburgh PA" letterhead. de Mette reminds Brown to look into the "New Orleans business". Signed "Stella de Mette-Liazza".27. New Orleans LA. November 26 1926. Typed Letter Signed on both sides of 11 X 8-1/2 inch "San Carlo Opera Co. Orchestra" letterhead. "Dear friend: Just to tell you that the 'Hunch' Francesco had about me & the New Orleans engagement is correct. The committee did not want me to appear in any of the subscription performances. I am sure Gallo is not to blame but all this emanates from Mrs. G. S four years ago she waged war against me to the various society dames.Francesco & I are racking our brains & are going to get even some way.Did the Blind Woman in Chenier last night & rec'd storms of applause in fact stopped the show." Signed "Stella de M. Liazza / San Carlo Opera Co./ Tulane Theatre / New Orleans La."28. Los Angeles CA. January 28 1927. Typed Letter Signed written on 1 & 1/2 pages of 2 9-1/2 X 6 inch sheets of "Engstrum Arms Apartment Hotel" letterhead. "Dear Greatest of Managers: Your letter pleased me immensely and think the letter written to Mayfield in New Orleans was splendid. I notice he roasts big celebrities too so I should care - poor old Schuman-Heink got her's from this person too very recently." de Mette goes on to describe the roles she is singing in California. Signed "Stella de Mette-Liazza".29. Pennsylvania. March 10 1927. Als scrawled over 3 half pages of 9-1/4 X 6 inch yellow hotel letterhead from Hutchinson Kansas. A heads up that de Mette and her husband are booked for passage to Europe on April 2. Signed "Stella de Mette-Liazza". Brown has written a draft on the verso of the third sheet inviting the Liazzas to dinner and "Aida" when passing through New York.30. Milan Italy. May 26 1927. Als written on 4 sides of 8-1/4 X 5-1/4 inch "Hotel Agnello & Duomo / Milano" notepaper. de Mette writes that she has a good contract for the San Carlo of Naples. "However everything in the theatrical line operatic is in a very critical condition - all theatres closed etc. A number of artists have started a movement to oust all theatrical agents & it is in the hands of the government & we are patiently awaiting to see what happens." Signed "Stella de Mette-Liazza".31. New Orleans La. November 2 1927. Typed Letter Signed from Francesco Liazza on 11 X 8-1/2 inch "Claridge Hotels Memphis Tenn" letterhead. He appreciates that Brown will continue managing his wife's engagements and gives her travel itinerary in Europe. Signed "Francesco Liazza". There is a draft of Brown's reply on the verso.32. Milan Italy December 6 1927. Autograph Letter Signed written on 4 sides of 7-1/4 X 7 inch notepaper. de Mette has 2 contracts for Cremona. She will be singing in "Gioconda - debut the 26th - and the slave in Francesca da Rimini & the blind woman in Chenier". She "signed a contract for four operas at a very good salary.Aida of course Trovatore Rigoletto & Ballo in Maschera Ulrica for Copenhagen Denmark". She then writes of other singers and her future hopes. Signed "Stella de Mette-Liazza". Together with the original envelope on which Brown has written the draft of a letter to her.33. New Orleans. December 22 1927. A brief typed letter on 11 X 8-1/2 inch "The Roosevelt / New Orleans" letterhead from Francesco Liazza informing Brown of his wife's debut in Cremona. "It will be in Gioconda. That is the town where Ponchielli was born. It is one of the most severe for criticism." Signed "F. Liazza".34. Boston MA. March 15 1928. A Typed Letter Signed from Francesco Liazza on 10-1/2 X 7-1/4 inch "The Elks / Boaton Massachusetts" letterhead. He thanks Brown for an encouraging letter that Brown had sent de Mette. He says that when he returns to New York later in March "we may resume our plans for the orchestra for your Sunday concerts to be given at the Cosmopolitan Theatre." Signed "Francesco Liazza".35. An unsigned and undated note from de Mette on "Hotel Phonix / Kobenhawn" letterhead. She is happy with the response of the Danes to her performances. She was in Copenhagen in January and March & April 1928.36. Astoria NY. October 29 1929. Tls on one side of 11 X 8-1/2 inch "San Carlo Opera Co. Orchestra" letterhead. de Mette writes of her need for work and her frustration with Brown's lack of communication. Signed "Stella de Mette".37. Astoria NY. November 24 1929. Typed Letter Signed on one side of 11 X 8-1/2 inch "San Carlo Opera Co. Orchestra" letterhead. More frustration with Brown. "Have you abandoned your latest project - Carmen etc. in Greenwich.Was told you placed this German contralto in vaudeville Hupple I believe is the name. I always thot I was in the first row of the contralto dept in the C.B. offices." Signed "Stella de M."38. A 20 inch high by 8-1/2 inch wide "Actors' Equity Association.Minimum Contract for Stock". The contract dated November 15 1929 is between Chamberlain Brown Manager and Stella De Mette Actor. "It is agreed that the Actor is to play CARMEN GIOCONDA AND OTHER OPERAS in the Manager's stock company at GREENWICH CONN.The Manager hereby agrees to pay the Actor the sum of THREE HUNDRED Dollars each week during the term of the engagement." Signed "Stella de Mette".39. Clayton MO. June 18 1933. Typed Letter Signed on one side of 11 X 8-1/2 inch "Hotel Saint Louis / Quebec" letterhead. "Alfredo Salmaggi offered me all or any performance I'd care to accept but I promptly refused as I am well acquainted with his companies. I hear they are doing very well however. Is this true I was also called for the German Co. but it would have required too much capital for coaching brushing up on German roles." Signed "Stella de M. Liazza".40. Chicago IL. October 4 1933. Typed Letter Signed written on 1 & 1/2 sides of 9-1/2 X 6 inch "Hotel Stephen Girard / Philadelphia" letterhead. "What happened to the proposed Co. opera of Canada Is Wagner still in charge Gallo's salaries are so ridiculous that Francesco wouldn't let me waste my energy for such a paltry sum. However business has been great & it looks as if they'd have a good season." Signed "Stella de M. Liazza".41. Detroit MI. November 5 1933. Typed Letter Signed on one side of 8-1/2 X 5-1/2 inch notepaper. de Mette writes of enjoying her time off from singing. Signed "Stella". Brown has drafted a reply on the verso.42. Chicago IL. October 8 1934. Typed Letter Signed with a handwritten P.S. on 10-1/4 X 7-1/4 inch "The Croydon Hotel / Chicago" letterhead. ".we are three leading contraltos. Ina Bourskaya one of the nicest women I have ever known & Dreda Aves. We are all one happy family & oh it's so good to be in dear old grand opera again.While in Montreal I met & sang for the pres. of the Canada Starch Co. & he has a very fine radio programme every Monday night - an orchestra of 30 symphony orchestra so Gallo has given me permission to be guest artist at the Broadcasting concert.next Monday". In her footnote she writes that she will sing Mon coeur s'ouvre ta voix from Samson and Dalila on the radio. Signed "Stella".43. Winnipeg Canada. November 16 1934. Typed Letter Signed on both sides of 8-1/4 X 6 inch "The Marlborough / Winnipeg Canada" letterhead. de Mette writes of her successes on tour. "In Toronto & Detroit also was I demanded for the next season. Co. has been re-engaged for two weeks in Toronto". She mentions in passing her wish to join the Metropolitan Opera. "Mr. Gatti Giulio Gatti-Casazza is soon to vacate I see - maybe I shall have a chance then" Signed "Stella de Mette Liazza".44. New Orleans La. January 14 1935. Autograph Letter Signed on both sides of 9-1/2 X 6 inch "Hotel New Orleans" letterhead. de Mette writes of "big success in Carmen. Am studying Lohengrin in German as here-to-fore did it in Italian & English. Shall sing it in Dallas next week.My voice is in fine condition." Signed "Stella".45. Detroit MI. October 10 1935. Autograph Letter Signed written on the rectos of 2 sheets of 9-1/4 X 6 inch "Clifford Apartment Hotel / Detroit Michigan" letterhead. "Up to date there have been 9 mezzos - among them Casteloth i perf only Van Gilder 3 perfs Aves 2 perfs Hottinger 2 perfs Lorna Doone Jackson sang Carmen here & it was deplorable poor timing - the papers were all brutal.". Signed "Stella de M."With the encouragement of Enrico Caruso Stella de Mette 1891-1989 sailed to Italy in 1908 to study opera in Milan. She made her debut in Genoa at the age of nineteen as a mezzo-soprano in "Cavalleria Rusticana". She sang in opera houses across Europe and the United States giving five hundred performances in "Carmen" and more than seven hundred in "Aida". She also acted in fourteen productions on Broadway. In 1932 she sang Carmen in the musical revue "Chamberlain Brown's Scrap Book". She met her husband Francesco Liazza while singing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Mr. Liazza was the manager of the San Carlo Opera Co. Mrs. Liazza sang in her husband's company which performed frequently in St. Louis until his death in 1942 when she retired and moved to Glendale.Francesco Liazza 1888-1942 orchestra manager of the San Carlo Opera Company His age was 54. Mr. Liazza was orchestra manager for thirty years of Fortune Gallo's enterprise including Summer operetta seasons at Jones Beach and on tour and with Anna Pavlowa and the Original Ballet Russe. He had been a trombone player in the Metropolitan Opera and radio orchestras. Born in Naples Italy Mr. Liazza came to the United States in 1907.Fortune Gallo 1878-1970 was an Italian-born opera impresario. Gallo was owner and General Manager of the traveling San Carlo Opera Company from 1913 until its disbandment in the late 1950s. Gallo was married to Sofia Charlebois an American lyric soprano in the San Carlo company.Chamberlain Brown 1892-1955 was a theater impresario in the United States. He acted produced Broadway plays represented actors as a casting agent published theatrical publications and hosted radio shows about the theater with guest stars in each episode. His brother Lyman joined him in the business. He is said to have discovered Valentino Clark Gable Leslie Howard Tallulah Bankhead among others. 1922-1935.

Blue Mountain Books & Manuscripts, Ltd. · États-Unis2 500,00 $US≈ 2 115,25 €

Siècle

Langage

Ajouté

Sujets

Catalogues

Siècle

Langage

Ajouté

Sujets

Catalogues

Siècle

Langage

Ajouté

Sujets

Catalogues