Barber, Samuel. (1910–1981)

Signed Title Page from "Vanessa"

Signed title page from the important American composer's opera Vanessa, published by G. Schirmer. The title page is taken from the vocal score (revised edition), and has been signed boldly by Barber at the left. Mounted to a larger sheet. Slight water damage to the signature; left edge rough and some edge wear; overall very good. 7.5 x 10.75 inches (18.7 x 27.2 cm), mounted to 8.5 x 11 inches.

Barber's opera Vanessa, with a libretto by Gian Carlo Menotti, was composed in 1956–1957 and was first performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City on January 15, 1958. Barber revised the opera in 1964, reducing the four acts to the three-act version most commonly performed today. The libretto, inspired by Isak Dinesen's Seven Gothic Tales, concerns a lonely woman, Vanessa, who confronts loss and the passage of time. (17284)


Signed Document/Item
Classical Music
Opera