Meyerbeer, Giacomo

being an excerpt from the canzonetta "Giovinetto cavalier" (Meyerbeer writes "Giovanetto..." here) from the Act I trio for Palmide, Felicia and Armando, notated in brown ink on two hand-drawn systems, each of two-staves, with autograph title (...Il Crociato...), signed below the second system, nine bars in all

1 page, oblong 4to (23.4 x 29.8cm), on an album-leaf, no place or date [not before 1824], light browning and spotting to edges

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 AUTOGRAPH MUSIC FROM MEYERBEER FIRST GREAT OPERATIC SUCCESS. Such manuscripts are rare.  Meyerbeer's opera Il crociato in Egitto ("The Crusader in Egypt") was first performed at Venice on 7 March 1824 and became his first international success, staged in Milan and Paris.  It was the last major opera to contain a role for castrato, namely that of Armando, sung by Giovanni Battista Velluti.