L13402

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Lot 404
  • 404

Delibes, Léo

Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Delibes, Léo
  • Autograph manuscript of the chorus "À quoi bon entendre les oiseaux des bois?", initialled at the end by the composer ("L.D.")
  • ink on paper
a composing manuscript, bearing the autograph superscription "Pour Ruy-Blas", written in brown ink on three four-stave systems per page, scored for solo voice, soprano choir and keyboard, with autograph tempo marking ("Allegretto") and numerous explanatory autograph instructions ("Ce sont les Lavandières qui passent en chantant là bas, dans les bruyères..."), containing a number of deletions and corrections

5 pages, oblong 4to (26.8 x 35cm), written on rectos only, 14-stave Lard-Esnault paper, slight discolouration to the leading edge of some leaves

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

An autograph of a complete piece by Delibes, written for a performance of Victor Hugo's play Ruy Blas at the Comédie Française in Paris on 4 April 1879. This attractive E-minor composition differs considerably from the G-minor version of the work published as the "Sérénade de Ruy-Blas" in the second volume of the Seize Mélodies (no. 5). Autograph manuscripts by Delibes are rare at auction.