He has already received five lessons, each lasting one and a half hours. Lavigna seems extremely conscientious and has told both Doctor Frigeri and me that Verdi works hard and promises to turn out well. He has heard about the Conservatorio business, and is as surprised as anyone. Rolla's son has told me that Verdi could not be more fortunate in his choice of teacher, both as a man of integrity, and as one who, for thirty years, has had enormous practical experience of the success and failure of theatrical scores. The maestro has made Verdi take out a monthly subscription at a music shop, and already he has two scores to study at home. The subscription fee is three Austrian lire per month. When the theatre reopens, he wants him to subscribe for every evening. In the meantime, Verdi has already written an overture, and this will be performed at a private concert series, held every Sunday, to which Lavigna intends to introduce him. In short, every aspect promises well for the future.