Note 121 — Chapter XIII · VERDI AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES

This does not sound like extravagant generosity on Merelli’s part, but it must be remembered that in those days it was customary for an unknown composer to bear the expense of having his operas produced. The score of Oberto was purchased by Giovanni Ricordi, founder of the publishing house of that name, for two thousand Austrian liri (about three hundred and fifty dollars).