Autograph letter signed ("R. Leoncavallo").

8vo (102 x 156 mm). 4 pp. on bifolium. Written in French in purple ink. The overture to what would become a discordant interaction between the two great composers: Leoncavallo writes in flattering tones to Gustav Mahler, then newly appointed director of the Vienna Court Opera, about the forthcoming première of his opera, "La Bohème". - Addressing Mahler as "Cher Maître", Leoncavallo writes that after his forthcoming journey to Hamburg, he will stop by to attend the rehearsals of his work in Vienna, due to be performed in November. He goes on to congratulate Mahler on his post at the Opera and to inform him that he has put him forward for the Knight's Cross of the Crown of Italy: "Je vous félicite de tout cœur de votre nouvelle situation que vous meritez par votre grand talent. Je tiens à vous faire savoir que j'ai déjà écrit à notre ministre de l'Instruction Publique pour obtenir pour vous la Croix de Chevalier de la Couronne d’Italie, et sui sur que cette nomination vous arriverà à la première de La Bohème à moitié novembre. J'ai voulu vous faire cette surprise, cher maître, et ce n'est qu'une juste hommage qui vous est due". - Due to difficulties with casting, Mahler wrote back a few days later that the première would have to be postponed. In response, Leoncavallo lost his temper and sent his publisher to harass Mahler, which did nothing to improve matters. The ensuing feud spilled onto the gossip pages of the Vienna press, but Leoncavallo's work ultimately received its Vienna première under Mahler's baton on 23 February 1898. - Leoncavallo's "La Bohème" had its world première in Venice in 1897 and has remained relatively obscure since, never winning canonical status like his masterpiece "I Pagliacci" (1892). It was particularly unfortunate that the same story had already been treated by Puccini the previous year in his opera of the same name, which had instantly become one of the most popular operas worldwide. - The opening notes to a truly operatic feud. - Central horizontal crease from folding, resulting in minuscule tears at both ends and a tiny hole in the middle, with no loss of text. Some very minor soiling and later pencil marks, officially stamped with date 13 September 1897 at top. Oerall in very good condition, text all present, clear and easily legible.…