Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901). L.A.S., Bussetto 31 January 1861, to Francesco Adorni, cello teacher in Parma; 1 page 3/4 in-8, address, traces of red wax stamp (small repair); in Italian. He is very saddened by the loss of Mori, who was both an excellent artist and a perfectly honest man. In a short time art has made great losses: first Giovanni, then Sebastiani, and now poor Mori! All very distinguished artists ("Distintissimi artisti tutti"), and not yet at the age when every mortal must pay his tribute to death! He approves of the idea of celebrating a funeral mass to honour his memory, but is sorry that he cannot accept what is asked of him: since his earliest youth he has not conducted sacred music ("dalla primissima gioventù non ho piu diretto musiche sacra"), and now he could only conduct his own music ("che per musica mia propria") .