Ambroise Thomas - Mignon - 1866-1870

MIGNON – Historical Original Edition
​Opera in three acts of 1866
​A rare collectible: Original Edition
​This copy constitutes a true original edition (first edition) of the vocal and piano score of Mignon. Published by the renowned house Heugel & Cie in Paris, this edition bears the mention “Théâtre Impérial de l'Opéra-Comique,” which confirms its printing in the very early years following the work's creation (1866-1870), before the fall of the Second Empire. It is a rare document, a direct witness to the launch of a monument of French lyrical art.
​The Creators
​Music: Ambroise Thomas
​Libretto: Michel Carré and Jules Barbier
​A prestigious vocal history
The rarity of this copy is heightened by the mention of the original cast. This score immortalizes the names of the artists who created these roles on stage, whose interpretations defined the work's legend:
​Mignon: Performed by the famous mezzo-soprano Célestine Galli-Marié (who would later be the first Carmen in Bizet's Carmen).
​Philine: Performed by the soprano Marie Cabel.
​Wilhelm Meister: Performed by tenor Léon Achard.
​Lothario: Performed by bass Bataille.
The presence of these names in the catalog of pieces makes this work an invaluable archival item for any Opera history enthusiast. It is not merely a score, but a fragment of the history of French lyric theater.