Meyerbeer, Giacomo. (1791–1864) Autograph Musical Manuscript

Meyerbeer, Giacomo. (1791–1864)

Autograph Musical Manuscript

Autograph manuscript of a short full vocal work, penned on an album page measuring 18 x 13.5 cm. Twelve measures, marked "Allegretto Scherzoso" for Soprani and Bassi and signed in full at the conclusion, "Giacomo Meyerbeer." The humorous text reads "Dominus vobiscum! Dieu vous conserve et Vous préserve de tout Album" ["The Lord be with you! May the Lord keep and protect you of any Album"]. Mounting traces and slight losses to two corners, not affecting. Together with a postcard portrait of the composer, showing Meyerbeer head and shoulders turned slightly to the right.

Meyerbeer wrote of the present quotation in a diary entry on February 4, 1853: "Yesterday Scribe gave me four verses by Jules Janin that are most suitable for album autographs. They read: 'Dominus...Album' This I set to music for two voices in free imitation, and inscribed it immediately into the albums of Offenbach, Lefébure-Wely, and Bazzini."

It is conceivable that the present page may have come from one of the albums of the composers mentioned by Meyerbeer in his diary. (5242)

AMQS Classical Music