GRÉTRY, André-Ernest-Modeste 1741-1813

Les Deux Avares Opéra Comique en Deux Actes Paroles de Fenouillot de Falbaire ... Réduction pour Piano et Chant par F. A. Gevaert. [Piano-vocal score]

Paris: E Girod Successeur de Mme Ve Launer [PN E.G. 400], [1857].

Quarter dark blue morocco, dark blue pebbled cloth boards with crown and "M' gilt to upper, spine in gilt-ruled compartments, titling gilt, marbled endpapers.1f. (recto title within decorative border incorporating the names of 8 composers, verso blank), 1f. ("Notice"), 1f. (recto publisher's catalogue, verso cast list and "Catalogue Thématique"), 168 pp. Engraved.

With attractive engraved armorial bookplate of the Duke of Massa (possibly Alfred, 1837-1913) to front pastedown.

Binding slightly worn, rubbed, and bumped. Title slightly foxed, publisher's oval handstamp to foot.

Les deux avares was first performed in Paris at Fontainebleau on 27 October 1770 during court celebrations of the wedding of the Dauphin and Marie Antoinette.

"Grétry’s gift for comedy extended widely. In the quartet ‘Il a les traits’ and Gilotin’s slightly imbecilic music in Le Huron, he evinced great skills of timing and characterization. The epitome of his simpler comedy was Les deux avares, where the physical stage situations are very well captured in music... Les deux avares and L’amitié à l’épreuve were first given in 1770 during court celebrations of the wedding of the Dauphin and Marie Antoinette." David Charlton and M. Elizabeth C. Bartlet in Grove Music Online.

Item #36775

Price: $90.00  other currencies