- 205
Puccini, Giacomo
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description
- Puccini, Giacomo
- Madama Butterfly...opera completa canto e pianoforte, Milan: G. Ricordi & C. [February] 1904
- paper
first edition of the original version in two acts, 403 pages, 4to (27.5 x 20cm), frontispiece portrait of the composer, Ricordi's blind-stamp for February 1904, publisher's boards printed in red, grey & black, ownership inscription of Marise Casiez (1931), spine defective at head & foot, wear to joint, some foxing to title
Rare. Most copies of the present edition were destroyed after the premiere, so that "not only was it hurriedly withdrawn after the first night but publication of the first edition was stopped and copies immediately withdrawn from sale, thus ensuring its considerable rarity" (Hopkinson, p.24).
This score contains the original version of Madama Butterfly, as performed at La Scala on 17 February 1904, one of the most celebrated débacles in the history of opera. It is in two acts only and contains extensive material not found in any of Puccini's revisions. After the première, Puccini cut 127 bars from Act I alone and divided the second act into two. Ricordi issued the "nuova edizione" in three acts (399 pages) in May 1904, and that version was staged at Brescia on 28 May 1904. Puccini made further cuts and alterations in 1905 and 1906, and the first printed full score was issued in 1907.
Rare. Most copies of the present edition were destroyed after the premiere, so that "not only was it hurriedly withdrawn after the first night but publication of the first edition was stopped and copies immediately withdrawn from sale, thus ensuring its considerable rarity" (Hopkinson, p.24).
This score contains the original version of Madama Butterfly, as performed at La Scala on 17 February 1904, one of the most celebrated débacles in the history of opera. It is in two acts only and contains extensive material not found in any of Puccini's revisions. After the première, Puccini cut 127 bars from Act I alone and divided the second act into two. Ricordi issued the "nuova edizione" in three acts (399 pages) in May 1904, and that version was staged at Brescia on 28 May 1904. Puccini made further cuts and alterations in 1905 and 1906, and the first printed full score was issued in 1907.
Literature
Hopkinson 6A (but with Palermo in the imprint as in the Fuld copy); Fuld p.596.
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."
"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."