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From an 1872 letter sent to Giuseppe Verdi by Prospero Bertani, a patron of early performances of Aida:

The opera contains absolutely nothing thrilling or electrifying, and if it were not for the magnificent scenery, the audience would not sit through it to the end. It will fill the theatre a few more times and then gather dust in the archives. Now, my dear Signor Verdi, you can imagine my regret at having spent 32 lire for these two performances.

Bertani requests reimbursement of his expenses and Verdi complies.

Relive the entire saga in the participants’ own words at the amazing Letters of Note [from the curator of orchestra21 favorite Letterheady.]