MEYERBEER, Giacomo 1791-1864

[L'étoile du Nord]. [La Stella del Nord Opera Semiseria in tre atti di Eugenio Scribe Traduzione Italiana di E. Picchi ... Riduzione con accompagnamento di pianoforte]. [Piano-vocal score]

Milano: F. Lucca [PNs 16955-16993], [ca. 1868].

Folio. Original publisher's dark blue paper wrappers with dark ivory printed title label to spine: "La stella del nord Musica del Maestro G. Meyerbeer Proprietà della Ditta F. Lucca – Milano." Various paginations. Engraved. Partially uncut.

Mostly continuous pagination (37-456 pp.) to lower margin. Each piece with its own secondary pagination. "Pietro" in black ink and pencil in contemporary hand(s) to title label (partially erased) and upper blank margin of first page. Blindstamp of the Libreria Musicale Gallini in Milan to blank lower margin of final leaf.

A performance copy, with early marks, cuts, and annotations (including some musical notation) in blue and orange crayon and pencil throughout.

Wrappers somewhat worn and soiled. Some soiling and occasional light foxing to margins; several leaves slightly creased; tears to lower portions of pp. 262-263 and 356-357, the second crudely repaired with an early pin.

The rare proof copy of 23 separate numbers.

L'étoile du Nord, to a libretto by Eugène Scribe, was first performed at the Opéra-Comique in Paris on 16 February 1854.

Known as "The Father of Grand Opera," Meyerbeer was "the most frequently performed opera composer during the 19th century, linking Mozart and Wagner." Matthias Brzoska in Grove Music Online.

Item #26668

Price: $400.00  other currencies