MILHAUD, Darius 1892-1974

[Op. 85]. Les Malheurs d'Orphée Opéra en Trois Actes Paroles de Armand Lunel ... La Partition Chant et Piano Prix Net: 10 Francs. [Piano-vocal score]

Paris: Au Ménestrel, Heugel [PN H. 29202], [1926-1927].

Large octavo. Original publisher's mid-blue printed wrappers. 1f. (recto half title, verso blank), 1f. (recto title in red and black, verso blank), 1f. (recto notes on first performance and named cast list, verso blank), 1f. (recto contents, verso copyright statement), 79, [i] (blank) pp. Most leaves unopened.

Named cast includes John-Charles Thomas, Lina Bianchini, L. Maudier, J. Decock, Demoulin, R. de Carlez, L. Mertens, G. Arnaud, H. Raidich, R. Laudy, Gerday, and S. Ballard.

Wrappers worn; slightly browned at edges; small chips to corners; small handstamp to lower outer corner; upper detached and with diagonal crease; minor loss to head and tail of spine; archival tape repairs. Slightly browned; some signatures split or partially split; occasional minor tears to upper margins; small circular publisher's handstamp to lower margin of title.

First Edition. Beck 85.

Les malheurs d’Orphée, a chamber opera to a libretto by Lunel, was first performed in Brussels at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie on 7 May 1926.

"Composed in 1924, Les malheurs d’Orphée was the first of Milhaud’s chamber operas and lasts about 35 minutes. The libretto is in the form of short scenes with separate arias, duets and choruses, and the orchestra requires 13 players. The most inspirational moments include the ‘Dernières recommendations d’Eurydice aux animaux’ and Eurydice’s funeral cortège (both in Act 2)." Christopher Palmer in Grove Music Online.

"[Milhaud] was associated with the avant garde of the 1920s, whose abundant production reflects all musical genres. A pioneer in the use of percussion, polytonality, jazz and aleatory techniques, his music allies lyricism with often complex harmonies. Though his sources of inspiration were many and varied, his music has compelling stylistic unity." Jeremy Drake in Grove Music Online.

Item #29384

Price: $85.00  other currencies