Massenet, Jules - Grisélidis. [Vocal score]Enlarge Image Massenet, Jules - Grisélidis. [Vocal score]Massenet, Jules - Grisélidis. [Vocal score]Massenet, Jules - Grisélidis. [Vocal score]

Massenet, Jules (1842-1912)

Grisélidis. [Vocal score]

Heugel & Cie: Paris, 1901. Pl.n: H. et Cie. 8114. first edition, third issue. Small quarto. 233 pp. Original gilt and blind stamped wrappers bound in. Quarter-bound red leather with marbled boards. Gilt label at spine. Boards a bit rubbed; bumped corners. Slight crease to bottom of each page (not affecting). Paul Bastide's stamp on dedication page; performance markings in pen to pp. 1-5. Inscription page with foxing. Despite this, really a good copy overall.
Inscribed by the composer to the French conductor and composer Paul Bastide: à mon excellent | Paul Bastide | J. Massenet | 1902.

Bastide studied with Massenet at the Paris Conservatoire in the 1890s, where he won first prize in harmony. At the time the elder composer inscribed him this score, Bastide was just beginning his career as a conductor.

Massenet completed Grisélidis in 1894 but revised it in 1898 after discussing a potential production with opera director Albert Carré. The work premiered at the Opéra-Comique in 1901 and enjoyed 50 performances in its first six months there. Massenet wrote of the opera in his memoir: I was very fond of this piece. Everything about it pleased me.
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