- 85
Puccini, Giacomo, (1858-1924)
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Puccini, Giacomo
- Autograph musical quotation from the early opera Le villi, signed and inscribed ("Le Willis...Giacomo Puccini Milano 2/6/84")
- ink on paper
comprising twelve bars notated in violet ink on three hand-drawn staves, the melody of Roberto and Anna's Duet in Act 1, 'Tu dell' infanzia mia', without the words
1 page, oblong 8vo (c.13 x 18.5cm), with a musical quotation of the song 'Fiorellino di Margherita' and the signature of Gounod on the verso, Milan, 2 June 1884, some spotting, small pin-holes
1 page, oblong 8vo (c.13 x 18.5cm), with a musical quotation of the song 'Fiorellino di Margherita' and the signature of Gounod on the verso, Milan, 2 June 1884, some spotting, small pin-holes
Literature
cf: Verdi, I copialettere, p.629-630 (10 June 1884); Osborne, No.240.
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."
Catalogue Note
Le villi was Puccini's first opera. It was staged in Milan on 31 May 1884, to considerable success. As a result Ricordi acquired the score for publication and Verdi hailed him as a composer whose adherence to melody justified his role as a composer of Italian opera. This theme first appears in Act 1 when Roberto leaves to claim his inheritance, assuring Anna of his constancy; it recurs in the preghiera finale, played by the whole orchestra fortissimo (Figures 20 & 28, vocal score, Milan, Ricordi, 1892). Roberto returns remorseful but unfaithful in Act 2, and Anna recalls this theme and his words in her gran scena preceding their final duet (Figure 54). The plot is derived from Alphonse Karr's short story Les Willis, hence Puccini's title here.