GIOVANNI MATTEO DE CANDIA Mario 1846 ALS Handwritten Letter & Photo Opera Singer

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GIOVANNI MATTEO DE CANDIA Mario 1846 ALS Handwritten Letter & Photo Opera Singer:
$479.00

Giovanni Matteo de Candia (“Mario”) – Original 1846 Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) with Period Photograph - a true museum-quality piece!

Offered here is an authentic handwritten and signed 1846 letter by the legendary 19th‑century Italian tenor Giovanni Matteo de Candia, known worldwide as “Mario.” Includes a period W. & D. Downey portrait photograph, making this a highly desirable opera‑era pairing.

Letter Details:

• Date: 28 July 1846

• Format: Full ALS (Autograph Letter Signed) in French

• Content: Mario writes that due to his condition, it is impossible for him to perform that evening, requesting management to take necessary measures — excellent opera‑related content.

Mario (Giovanni Matteo de Candia) was scheduled to perform at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London on July 29, 1846 — but he was too unwell to appear, as confirmed by the handwritten note shown.

Mario writes that he is suffering from rheumatism in his knee, can barely get out of bed, and fears he will not be able to “render myself to…” (the theatre).

This is exactly the kind of note singers sent to the impresario when they could not appear.

The letter also reads:

“1846 — Mario — July 29 — unwell — doubtful whether can perform”. This is almost certainly an impresario’s or theatre secretary’s log entry, recording Mario’s condition for that night’s scheduled performance.

In the summer seasons of the 1840s, Mario was under contract to Her Majesty’s Theatre, London, not Paris.

The London opera season ran from April to August, and Mario was one of its principal tenors.

Her Majesty’s Theatre was the only venue he was obligated to sing at on that date.

Condition:

Good to very good overall. Clean, legible handwriting. Light age toning consistent with 19th‑century paper. Photograph is sharp with strong contrast. Not professionally framed.

Provenance:

Private collection. Guaranteed authentic.

Why This Piece Is Desirable:

Mario’s full handwritten letters are moderately scarce, and performance‑related content is especially sought after. The inclusion of a period Downey portrait elevates this beyond a standard autograph. SERIOUS OFFERS CONSIDERED!