Handel, George Frideric.

notated in dark brown ink on up to ten staves per page, the 12 items from Alcina (numbered), written by the copyists S1 and S3, the 3 numbers from Ariodante written by an unidentified scribe (possibly S4), all notated for either soprano (prima donna) or alto castrato voice and strings (on systems of up to five staves),  with bassoons indicated in the aria 'Scherza infida' (from Ariodante), and flutes for 'Mio bel tesoro' (Alcina), occasionally just for voice and basso continuo, the characters named only in the trio (no.12) 'Non è amor ne gelosia' ("Alc:", "Rug:" and "Brad[amante]" (alto)),



105 pages, oblong 4to (c.23 x 29cms), with additional blanks, the 2 operas written on 2 different 10-stave papers, contemporary quarter calf, stencilled patterned boards, red-gilt label to cover ("E. Carr. 1735"), first leaf of music loose, chipped (slight loss) and stained at margins, spine worn

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."

This is an unrecorded contemporary source for Alcina and Ariodante, two of Handel's most important operas. The manuscript comes from the circle of copyists used by Handel and his amanuensis John Christopher Smith, including the two known as S1 and S3. They also collaborated on manuscripts of the same two operas in the Royal Music Collection (R.M.19.a.16 and R.M.19.a.12, now in the British Library).  The present manuscript stems directly from Handel's circle and was produced around the time of the first productions of the two operas (performed on 8 April 1735 and 8 January 1735 respectively) confirmed by the dated label on the front cover.

Alcina  is one of Handel's best-loved operas, and this contemporary manuscript contains its most famous aria, 'Verdi prati' (no.10), written for the alto castrato Carestini (as the hero Ruggiero).  The manuscript contains nearly half the arias in Alcina, including almost all those for the leading roles: Ruggiero, Alcina and Morgana (Alcina's sister).  The three items from Ariodante include the two great arias for Ariodante (also written for Carestini), 'Scherza infida' and 'Cieca notte'.

This manuscript contains the following numbers:

Alcina
1)     'Di Cor mio quanto t'amai' (Alcina), Act 1, 6 pages, [S1],
2)     'Si Son quella non piu bella' (Alcina), Act 1, 3 pages, [S3]
3)     'Ah! mio cor, schernito sei'  (Alcina) Act 2, 12 pages, [S3]
4)     'Credete al mio dolore' (Morgana), Act 3, 4 pages, [S3]
5)     'Ombre pallide' (Alcina), Act 2, 10 pages, [S1]
6)     'Mio bel tesoro' (Ruggiero) Act 2, 7 pages, [S3]
7)     'Ma quanto tornerai' (Alcina), Act 3, 6 pages, [S3]
8)     'Mi lusinga il dolce affetto' (Ruggiero), Act 2, 6 pages, [S1]
9)     'Ama sospira ma non t'offende' (Morgana), Act 2, 8 pages, [S3]
10) 'Verdi prati' (Ruggiero), Act 2, 6 pages, [S1]
11) 'Tornami a vagheggiar' (Alcina), Act 1, 6 pages, [S1] (no viola part)
12) 'Non è amor ne gelosia' (trio),  Act 3, 8 pages, [S1]

Ariodante
13)  'Il mio crudel martiro (Ginevra), Act 2, 7 pages, [S?]
14)  'Scherza infida' (Ariodante), Act 2, 11 pages, [S?]
15)  'Cieca notte' (Ariodante), Act 3, 5 pages, [S?]