Schippers, Thomas. (1930–1977) [Stravinsky, Igor. (1882–1971) & Cocteau, Jean. (1889–1963)
Oedipus Rex - Signed Copy from Thomas Schippers
New York: Boosey & Hawkes. c. 1949. Piano and vocal score to the "opera-oratorio in two acts after Sophocles" in the 1948 revised version, from the collection of the highly-regarded American conductor Thomas Schippers and with his large signature across the title page. [PN] B. & H. 16992. 96 pp. Speaker's words also printed as text in English (inserted). Light toning, edge wear, and a few edge and spine chips; overall very good. 10.5 x 13.5 inches (26.5 x 34 cm).Schippers made his debut at the New York City Opera at age twenty-one, and the Metropolitan Opera at twenty-five. He conducted world premieres of now well-known music by Gian Carlo Menotti and Samuel Barber. Schippers conducted in all the major opera houses of the United States and Europe, most notably the Metropolitan Opera and La Scala, and founded Italy's Spoleto festival with Menotti. After a notable tenure with the Cincinatti Symphony Orchestra, he died of lung cancer at age 47.
Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex is an opera-oratorio for orchestra, speaker, soloists, and male chorus. The libretto, based on Sophocles's tragedy, was written by Jean Cocteau in French and then translated by Abbé Jean Daniélou into Latin; the narration, however, is performed in the language of the audience. Written towards the beginning of Stravinsky's neoclassical period, it is considered one of the finest works from this phase of the composer's career. (15944)
Signed Document/Item Printed Music Classical Music