CHARPENTIER, Gustave 1860-1956

Louise Roman Musical en Quatre Actes et Cinq Tableaux ... Partition piano et chant. Prix net: 20 francs. [Piano-vocal score]

Paris: Heugel & Cie. [PN. H. et Cie. 19,659], [1915].

Large octavo. Quarter mid-tan calf with marbled boards, spine in decorative compartments gilt, titling gilt, marbled endpapers. 1f. (recto dedication to Carré, verso blank), 1f. (recto title printed within red-ruled border, verso publisher's note), [i] (named cast list), [ii] (contents), [i] (blank), 410 pp.

Binding worn, rubbed, and bumped; spine torn and mostly lacking; boards and free front endpaper detached. Edges slightly browned; small publisher's handstamp to first several leaves.

A revised edition of Charpentier's best-known opera.

In four acts to a libretto by the composer or by Saint-Pol-Roux, Louise was first performed in Paris at the Opéra-Comique (Salle Favart) on 2 February 1900, under Albert Carré. Considered to be his most recognized work, "Louise is a supreme example of Charpentier's ability to suit contemporary Parisian taste." Robert Orledge in Grove Music Online.

"Even before the première, the work had become something of a cause célèbre: rumours circulated about the immorality of the subject matter as well as about the revolutionary nature of the score. In fact it is far from unconventional, owing much to Gounod and Massenet; and Massenet admired it. There are, however, moments of originality ... The work’s allegiance to the realist cause, its rich orchestral palette – which includes instruments as different as the viola d’amore ... and the sewing-machine (foreshadowing the use of everyday ‘instruments’ such as the typewriter in Satie’s Parade) – and the memorability of the set-piece ‘Depuis le jour’ have assured it a unique place in the repertory." Richard Langham Smith in Grove Music Online.

Item #36804

Price: $50.00  other currencies