L. Delibes. Autograph manuscript signed of the song "Regrets", from 'Quinze mélodies et deux choeurs', c.1885

DELIBES, LÉO

Autograph manuscript of the song "Regrets", signed ("Léo Delibes")

the STICHVORLAGE, marked up by and for the printer in pencil and crayon, a composing manuscript, with autograph title and inscription ("Regrets. (Paraphrase d'un motif de la Source - Ballet.)..."), signed by Delibes at the head and at the end, the song scored for tenor or mezzo soprano and piano, notated in brown ink on five three-stave systems per page, the piano accompaniment indicated in some places by the use of numbers in red ink referring to earlier music thus numbered, with numerous deletions and corrections by the composer

6 leaves, folio (35 x 27cm), 20-stave "LARD-ESNAULT" paper, written on one side only, no place or date [c.1885,] light browning, some inky thumb marks consistent with use by the printer

Autograph manuscripts of complete works by Delibes are uncommon at auction.

The present song, no.9 of Quinze mélodies et deux chœurs, for high voice and piano, setting a poem by Armand Silvestre, was published by Hartmann & Cie in 1885.