Beschreibung:

VERDI, Giuseppe (1813-1901). Autograph manuscript of a draft for a contract with the Paris Opera, undated [ circa 1848], stating the terms on which he wished to be employed, 1 page, quarto (310 x 210mm.) (some staining and fraying to the edges) It is uncertain to what opera this draft contract refers, but it is intriguing to see that Verdi at this time was planning to negotiate with the Opera and to read the terms for which he hoped. It would also seem to be the earliest reference to Verdi's working on a libretto by Scribe (article 1 of the draft). Scribe was to be the co-librettist of Les Vépres sciliennes of 1855. Verdi proposes an opera for July 1849, which will be ready for rehearsals by January of that year, for which he requires a fee of 15,000 francs to be paid in three tranches: at the first piano rehearsal, the first orchestral rehearsal and on the day of the production. Verdi is keen not to be overshadowed by Meyerbeer or by any other composer of a major opera. He insists that he is able to pick the singers and dancers, the best available, and that the tenor, Guasco, sings in no new operas before his. The fact that negotiations were either underway, or being considered by Verdi, shows how his reputation had risen in Paris after the production of Jérusalem (the French version of I Lombardi ) at the opera in November 1847. This draft must date from the following year. Apparently unpublished.