COCCIA, Carlo 1782-1873

Caterina di Guisa [Solo piano]

... Ridotta per Piano-forte ... Fr. 15

Milano: Gio. Ricordi [PNs 6775-90], [1833].

Oblong folio. 19th century light green cloth-backed marbled boards. 113 pp. Each number with separate caption title, some with secondary pagination. Engraved.

With small decorative address label of Veronese musicseller "L. Menegazzoli" to upper. Handstamp "Libreria alla Minerva Verona" to foot of title, with their 2-page printed catalogue of opera piano-vocal and piano solo scores tipped-in following title, with some additions in manuscript.

From the collection of Italian conductor, vocal coach, and close associate of Puccini and Mascagni, Luigi Ricci (1893-1981).

Binding somewhat worn and rubbed; head of spine frayed, with remants of paper label; handstamp "467" to front free endpaper. Scattered light foxing.

First Edition of this arrangement. Scarce (3 copies located outside Italy).

Caterina di Guisa, a melodramma in 2 acts, to a libretto by Felice Romani after the play Henri III et sa cour (1829) by Dumas, was premiered in Milan at the Teatro alla Scala, 14 February 1833.

Coccia experienced "a genuine triumph with Caterina de Guisa aided by a finely paced libretto by Felice Romani. In this opera, his first since Clotilde to circulate abroad, Coccia shows a Donizettian ingenuity in blending the traditional forms into a personal synthesis. Orchestral transitions between scenes, each distinguished by unexpected touches of harmony and scoring, are a special feature. A duet with female chorus for the heroine and her youthful admirer (a mezzo role) achieves a long melodic groundswell worthy of Bellini." Julian Budden in Grove Music Online.

"Coccia was an accomplished musician, who throughout his theatrical career managed to keep abreast of contemporary trends, giving scrupulous attention to detail..." Julian Budden in Grove Music Online.

Item #33588

Price: $125.00  other currencies