Libretto For The Opera *issé* By André Cardinal Destouches, 1719
An antique opera libretto in in-4 format, 43 pages, titled “ISSÉ, Pastorale Héroïque”, first performed before His Majesty at Trianon on December 17, 1697.
This masterpiece of French Baroque music was composed by André Cardinal Destouches (1672–1749) based on the famous poem by Antoine Houdar de La Motte (1672–1731).
The title page details the history of the work’s revivals at the Académie Royale de Musique: restaged in an expanded version in 1708, then for the third time in the year 1719. The volume is beautifully illustrated with period typographic ornaments engraved on wood:
This masterpiece of French Baroque music was composed by André Cardinal Destouches (1672–1749) based on the famous poem by Antoine Houdar de La Motte (1672–1731).
The title page details the history of the work’s revivals at the Académie Royale de Musique: restaged in an expanded version in 1708, then for the third time in the year 1719. The volume is beautifully illustrated with period typographic ornaments engraved on wood:
- A large banner bearing the coat of arms at the head of the Prologue (Scene I: The Hesperides) and an ornate initial “N.”
- A second banner featuring mascarons at the beginning of Act I (Scene I: Philemon/Apollo) and an ornate initial “Q.”
- Delightful stage directions (didascalia): “The stage represents a hamlet”, “The stage represents the Garden of the Hesperides [...] guarded by a dragon that ceaselessly spews flames.” ”
- Edition: In Paris, published by the widow of P. Ribou, sole bookseller of the Royal Academy of Music, Quai des Augustins.
- Date: M DCC XIX (1719). With the King’s Approval and Privilege.
- Collation: Complete in 43 pages.
- Binding: Polished brown full calf from the period. Spine with five raised bands, richly decorated with floral panels in fine gold; title label in brown morocco stamped "ISSE"; gilt wheel mark on the edges.
- Condition: Remarkable state of preservation. Very sound period binding, head and foot caps intact, corners barely worn. Interior is beautifully fresh on laid paper, with wide margins, clear text, and no notable foxing.
460 €
Period: 18th century
Style: Louis 14th, Regency
Condition: Good condition
Material: Paper
Reference (ID): 1832164
Availability: In stock
Print
