Daphnis et Chloé - SIGNED AND INSCRIBED BY MONTEUX

Paris: Durand & Cie. 1910. First. Piano score to Ravel's ballet in three scenes, signed and inscribed opposite the title page by Pierre Monteux, who conducted the work's premiere in 1912. He has boldly signed and inscribed to his sister-in-law Hilda Davis, wife of bandleader Meyer Davis: "As the creator of this score, whose name has been omited [sic] -- I do not know why!! I am going to dedicate that copy to my dear sister (in law) Hilda Emery Davis, with my love." Indeed, although the names of the original dancers (including Nijinksy as Daphnis), choreographer (Michel Fokine) and scenery designer (Léon Bakst) are all listed on the title page, Monteux's name does not appear. A lovely inscription showing Monteux's characteristic good humor and charm! From the estate of Monteux's daughter, Nancie Monteux Barendse.  

Upright folio. 10 x 13 inches (25 x 32.5 cm). 114 pp. [PN] D&F 7748. Softcover with light brown textured paper slipcovers printed in red and black, in an elegant box bound in blue cloth. Some light wear to the edges of the box and slipcovers, but the score itself in fine condition. Orenstein, Ravel: Man and Musician, p. 177. 
Ravel began work on the score in 1909 after a commission from Sergei Diaghilev. It was premiered at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris by his Ballets Russes on 8 June 1912. At almost an hour long, Daphnis et Chloé is Ravel's longest work. In spite of the ballet's duration, four discernible leitmotifs give musical unity to the score. The music, some of the composer's most passionate, is widely regarded as some of Ravel's best, with extraordinarily lush harmonies typical of the impressionist movement in music. Even during the composer's lifetime, contemporary commentators described this ballet as his masterpiece for orchestra, with Stravinsky hailing it as "one of the most beautiful products in all of French music." Monteux recorded the work later on with the London Symphony in 1959. (13796)

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Printed Music

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