Benjamin GODARD (1849-1895) and Paul VIDAL (1863-1931). Auto - Lot 85

Benjamin GODARD (1849-1895) and Paul VIDAL (1863-1931). Autograph musical manuscript, La Vivandière, [1895]; 263 and 208 fol. pages, stapled in paper covers with printed title. Orchestral score of Acts I and III of La Vivandière, opéra-comique in 3 acts to a libretto by Henri Cain, composed by Benjamin Godard and premiered at La Monnaie in Brussels on March 21, 1893; a second version, completed, elaborated and orchestrated by Paul Vidal after Godard's death on January 10, 1895, was premiered on April 1, 1895 at the Opéra-Comique (Théâtre Lyrique hall). The action takes place during the Revolution, in Lorraine after the victory of Valmy, then in Vendée, led by the patriotic vivandière Marion. This orchestral score was prepared by a copyist, who took down the song and lyrics for orchestration, partly by Benjamin Godard and partly by Paul Vidal. Several pages of Benjamin Godard's version were obliterated by a large crest or obscured by being sewn together, during revision by Paul Vidal. The Overture is in Godard's hand. In Act I, only nos. 3 and 4 are by Godard, nos. 1, 3 bis, 5 bis and 6 by Vidal; both handwritings are found in nos. 2 (p. 53-74 by Godard, 75-92 by Vidal) and 4 bis (p. 157-171, 174-191 by Godard, plus 12 deleted pages, Vidal having orchestrated p. 140-156, 172-173, 192-199). Act III (208 pages, numbers 18 to [24]), is entirely in Paul Vidal's hand. The manuscript was used as a conductor and bears numerous indications in blue or red pencil.