BOITO, Arrigo 1842-1918

Nerone tragedia in quattro atti prezzo Lire 5.- aumento compreso. [Libretto]

Milano: G. Ricordi & C., 1924.

Large octavo. Original publisher's dark ivory illustrated wrappers with titling in red. 1f. (recto half-title, verso copyright), 1f. (recto title, verso blank), 1f. (recto cast list, verso blank), [9]-88 pp. On laid paper with text within thin light green rule. With decorative headpieces by Cesari printed in light green.

Publisher's blindstamp to inner lower corner of first few leaves dated 4 [April] [19]24.

Wrappers slightly worn; spine slightly split. Some light foxing.

First Edition.

Nerone was first performed in Milan at La Scala on 1 May 1924.

"Nerone, which had engaged Boito's attention irregularly for nearly 60 years, was finally performed six years after his death, on 1 May 1924 at La Scala, in a version extensively revised by a committee consisting of Toscanini, Antonio Smareglia and Vincenzo Tommasini ... Nerone exists in two versions: in five acts, as in the printed libretto of 1901, and in four acts, as in the printed score. The excised fifth act, for which Boito sketched music, presents Nero playing Aeschylus's Orestes while Rome burns. The four-act version ends with the death of the Christian convert Rubria. All in all, Nerone possesses great originality, vividly contrasting pagan magic, imperial corruption and Christian caritas. It is arguably Boito's finest achievement." William Ashbrook in Grove Music Online.

Item #33907

Price: $125.00  other currencies