Parma

Bottesini's last post, where ill health (and possibly the evil plottings of Umberto) overtook him. He died surrounded by his devoted students, but otherwise forgotten by the world.

Several unusual monuments to Bottesini remain in Parma:

The Three Obelisks: Three tall stones standing close to one another; a commemoration of Bottesini's preference for the 3-stringed Bass. There is some dispute as to whether this is a natural or man-made formation.
Rosin Monument: A megalith in the shape of a much-used cake of rosin; Bassists who rub themselves against it are said to gain some measure of the Master's artistry.
The Hand: A huge marble likeness of Bottesini's left hand, produced with startling anatomical accuracy.

These monuments were raised by Bottesini's grief-stricken students. All have been vandalized by Moristo agents at various times through the years.

Bottesini's tavern

In Parma, this researcher made another remarkable find: a small public house under the sign "Taverna Devastatore." Wondering if there might be some connection to Bottesini's mighty bow, Il Devastatore, I inquired and found a proprietor pleased to talk. When I asked if the place had any connection with Giovanni Bottesini, he said, "Yes, yes -- the Old Man."

He was, however, unable to say who Bottesini was, or why he was famous. The house wine was, oddly enough, Vino Dragonetti, with a flavor not unlike retsina.

The tavern was burned in a suspicious fire several months after I left.

"We all must learn where to place our fingers."