BLECH, Leo 1871-1958

[Op. 18]. Versiegelt Komische Oper in einem Akt nach Rauppach von Richard Batka und Podes-Milo... Op. 18. Klavierauszug mit Text v. Egon Pollak Mk. 10.– no. [Piano-vocal score]

Berlin: Verlag "Harmonie" [PN 210], [1908].

Folio. Dark brown cloth-backed patterned boards. 1f. (title with vignette within decorative borders), [i] (dedication to Engelbert Humperdinck within decorative borders), [i] (copyright notice with device), [i] (cast list with silhouette of each character), [i] (decorative device), [3]-151, [i] (device with printer's note "Lith. Anst. v. C.G. Röder G.m.b.H. Leipzig") pp. Text in German.

Page 3 with illustrated headpiece. With "Imported from East Berlin (Rare)" in pencil to front free endpaper. Names of cast members in pencil to cast list.

Binding slightly worn and faded; endpapers browned, brittle, and with some small chips and tears. Some browning to margins of title; occasional light soiling and staining, not affecting music. An attractive copy overall.

First Edition. OCLC no. 20749071.

Versiegelt was first performed in Hamburg in 1908.

"Blech’s repertory was wide; he was especially renowned for his performances of Wagner and Verdi, and of Carmen, which he conducted about 600 times. His many recordings were made principally with the orchestra of the Berlin Staatsoper. During his lifetime he achieved considerable success with his own operas, particularly Das war ich (1902, Dresden), Alpenkönig und Menschenfeind (1903, Dresden), and, most popular of all, Versiegelt (1908, Hamburg). His stage works were said to show a deft lightness of touch in the tradition of Humperdinck." J.A. Fuller Maitland and Robert Philip in Grove Music Online.

Item #26371

Price: $95.00  other currencies