Original manuscript sketchleaf in the hand of the important bel canto composer, showing an early stage of composition for the famous final aria from his opera Roberto Devereux, "Quel sangue versato." 19 single staves of musical sketches in several sections over two pages of a bifolium. The first four lines of music are a sketch of the melody of the aria, with the text: "Quel sangue versato in cielo s'innalza... Giustizia domanda, reclama vendetta... Già l'angiol di morte fremente v'incalza... Supplizio inaudito entrambi vi aspetta... Sì vil tradimento, delitto sì rio clemenza non merta, non merta pietà... Nell'ultimo istante volgetevi a Dio; ei solo perdono conceder potrà." The next three lines of music are without text; the final three lines of the section have some fragmentary lyrics below the music. At the foot of the first page, seven measures of music have been sketched out; on the verso, a further six lines of unidentified musical fragments. On manuscript paper with 16 staves per page; inner two pages of bifolium with blank staves. 29 x 22.5 cm. Some toning, edge wear and ink blots, but overall in fine condition. Read More...