BARBIER P.J. / GOUNOD CH.Livre Rare Book
Mireille Opéra en 5 actes tiré du Poëme de Frédéric Mistral par Michel Carré Partition Chant et Piano. Piano-vocal score
186528785Paris: Choudens PN A.C. 1005.1012 1865. Large octavo. Quarter black calf with marbled boards spine in gilt-ruled compartments titling gilt marbled endpapers. 1f. recto title illustrated by T. Laval 1f. dedication 1f. named cast list and contents 3-32 132-328 33-214 pp.<br/><br/>Binding slightly worn rubbed and bumped; hinges split. Occasional light to moderate foxing; some signatures split; several leaves partially detached; small publisher's facsimile signature handstamp to lower margin of title; small tear to outer edge of p. 189 not affecting music. Third version. <br/><br/>Mireille to a libretto by Michel Carré after Frédéric Mistral was first performed at the Lyrique on March 19 1864.<br/><br/>"There are. fine moments in Mireille particularly in the title role where Gounod exhibits his particular talent for feminine characterization. Mireille. is a noteworthy contribution to the French lyric stage. It presents the unsuitability of a love match because of difference in social status entirely within the framework of a rural agrarian society and transforms the daughter of a farmer into a tragic heroine."<br/><br/>"In his unceasing quest for what he saw as dramatic and spiritual truth Gounod succeeded in restoring a higher sense of artistic purpose to the French stage and in strictly musical terms his influence on the course of French music was substantial." Steven Huebner in Grove Music Online. Choudens [PN A.C. 1005.(1012)] unknown books
