An exceptionally rare and historically significant early libretto (text book) for the “comedy for music” in three acts “Der Rosenkavalier”. The music is by Richard Strauss (Op. 59), the text by Hugo von Hofmannsthal; the opera premiered in January 1911.
Why This Copy Is Special
The booklet carries the original copyright dates 1910 and 1911 by Adolph Fürstner, the authorized publisher of Strauss’s works at the time – placing it right at the beginning of the work’s history. The complete text is printed in the original German.
Traces of Performance History
Inside there is a stamp and printed information referring to a performance license from 1936. This booklet was therefore not only reading material but part of the theater’s working life – a document of performance history.
Details
- Work: Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59
- Music: Richard Strauss · Text: Hugo von Hofmannsthal
- Publisher: Adolph Fürstner
- Copyright dates: 1910 and 1911
- Language: German
- Binding: softcover with original decorative design
Condition
Antique condition with wear consistent with age and theatrical use: rubbing, edge wear, discoloration and tanning of the paper. Please examine all photos carefully, as they form part of the description.
Who It’s For
For collectors of opera history, Strauss and Hofmannsthal memorabilia, and antique musical ephemera of the early 20th century.
Price is for 1 piece. Ships from Austria, carefully packed.
The Megaflohmarkt in Vienna. Among sheet music lay this slim booklet, its pages feeling like old autumn leaves. In it stands every word that was sung for the first time in 1911 – and a stamp tells of an evening in 1936. How many hands held it before the lights in the hall went down?
Words before the first note — Things with Soul · VintageAustriaShop
