[METASTASIO, Pietro] - Il Conclave dell'anno 1774 - 1780

Italy, 1775-1780.

A rare copy of this three-act theatrical work, circulating alternately in manuscript form since the book was condemned to the Index, as it satirically depicts the election of Pope Pius VI. On the first page it reads: "The poetry is by the famous Mr. Abate Pietro Metastasio for the most part. The music is by Mr. Niccolo Piccini." The libretto text was compiled by Abbot Gaetano Sertor and cost the Author imprisonment in the Pontifical prisons.

In-4° piccolo (195×135 mm). 36 unnumbered leaves. Original cardboard binding covered with colored paper. Excellent copy.