Massenet, Jules

the autograph vocal score, dating from 1873, and with the title "l'adorable Belboul. grande Partition!", written in black ink on four four-stave systems per page, for the characters Ali Bazar, Fatime, Zai Za, Hassan and Sidi Toupi, comprising seven numbers including the Ensemble Final, together with autograph additions and revisions dating from 1887, including the addition of an overture notated for piano four hands (partly printed), and revised passages inserted on slips of paper, with spoken cues for the numbers, comprising:

No.1 Air; No.2 Duettino; No.3 Aubade (without music); No.4 Invocation Terzetto; No.5 Couplets; No.6 Grand Duo; No.7 Ensemble Final; together with the "Ouverture 4 mains" added by Massenet in 1887. 



46 pages in all (including titles and four pages of printed music for the overture), c.34.5 x 26.5cm, 26- & 18-stave papers, red roan gilt, spine and hinge defective 

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

UNPUBLISHED AND HITHERTO BELIEVED LOST, this is indeed a substantial Massenet discovery: the work is  described as "destroyed" in the work-list in The New Grove.  L'adorable Belboul was performed in Paris at the Cercle des Mirlitons on 17 April 1873.  The title page is signed by Massenet and by the librettists Poirson and Gallet.  He later rediscovered and revised the work, adding an overture and noting on the title page "partition revue...avec étonnement et...admiration...en mars 1887!...J. Massenet"