“The Bird of Time has but a little way
To flutter—and the Bird is on the Wing.”
A GREAT NIGHT.—BELASCO AT THE METROPOLITAN.—A GENEROUS ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
During the season of 1906-’07 Belasco’s friend the Italian musical composer Puccini, who desired to write an opera on a characteristically American subject, made a visit to our country for the purpose of selecting one. While in New York, in January, 1907, he attended performances by Miss Frances Starr in “The Rose of the Rancho” and by Miss Bates in “The Girl,”—at the Academy of Music. After considerable cogitation his choice fell upon the latter, and while travelling to his home in Italy he wrote the following letter to Belasco:
(Giacomo Puccini to David Belasco.)
Hôtel de Londres, Paris [France],
March 7, 1907.
“Dear Mr. Belasco:—
“I was exceedingly sorry to have left New York without seeing you once more. I have been thinking so much of your play, ‘The Girl of the Golden West,’ and I cannot help thinking that with certain modifications it might easily be adapted for the operatic stage. Would you be good enough to send me a copy of the play, to Torre del Lago, Pisa, Italia? I could then have it translated, study it more carefully, and write to you my further impressions.
“I cannot express to you all the admiration I feel for your great talent, and how much impressed I was at the drama I saw at your theatre.
“With kindest regards, and hoping to hear from you soon,
“Yours sincerely,
“Giacomo Puccini.”