Lot 201
  • 201

Verdi, Giuseppe.

Estimate
4,000 - 5,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • Nabucodonosor [Nabucco], dramma lirico in quattro atti...dedicato a S.A.I. la serenissima Archiduchessa Adelaide d'Austria, Milan: G. Ricordi, [1842]
  • paper
first edition, 229 pages, oblong 4to (c.25 x 33.5cms), printed title within a decorative green border, original cast list (including Giuseppina Strepponi), plate numbers 13806-13830, engraved title with the Archduchess's arms above each number, double paginations, contemporary pencil annotations to the vocal line for Nabucco's & Abigaille's duet "Donna chi sei?" (No.18), contemporary red half roan, a few small tears (eg p. 169/170), [Hopkinson 39A (a); Verdi Complete Edition, Critical Report, p.10],

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Rare: we can trace no record of Nabucco being offered for sale at auction.  Nabucco was Verdi's first great success, the premiere on 9 March 1842 resounding to the famous Chorus of Hebrew Slaves, 'Va pensiero' (see p. 184).  The prima donna was Giuseppina Strepponi, later to become Verdi's wife. This is a fine copy in a contemporary binding.  The separate numbers were offered for sale between 4 September and 2 October 1842, and the complete score (including title, preliminaries and continuous pagination) on 16 October--see Nabucodonosor [Verdi Complete Edition], Critical Report, edited by R. Parker, (Chicago & Milan, 1988), pp.10-12.