Three outstanding musical works published as orchestral scor - Lot 208

Three outstanding musical works published as orchestral scores under Napoleon 1st. *Nicolas-Marie d'ALAYRAC, known as DALAYRAC (1753-1809). Le Poëte et le Musicien, ou Je Cherche un Sujet. Comedy in three acts, lyrics by Emmanuel Dupaty. Paris, Aux deux Lyres, chez Mme Duhan [pl. 366, 1811], in-folio full natural vellum, 243 pp. Rare large orchestral score of Dalayrac's "Musique posthume" for this comic opera performed at the Théâtre Feydeau on May 30, 1811, to which Clément and Larousse devote 3 lines in their Dictionnaire... An excellent musician, Dalayrac was a member of the "neuf sœurs" Masonic lodge, and in 1778 composed the music for Voltaire's reception and for the party in honor of Benjamin Franklin at Madame Helvétius's home. Fine overall condition, drawn title and small later label on spine of period binding, number "173" in hand and "Schmitt" stamp on title page. Also included: *Etienne Nicolas MÉHUL (1763-1817). Joseph. Opera in three acts, lyrics by Alexandre Duval. Paris, Au Magasin de Musique [pl. 505, 1807], in folio, modern paper spine, old boards damaged, 194 pp. First edition of the orchestral score, "opéra-comique performed at the Opéra-comique on February 17, 1807", according to Clément and Larousse, who this time devote 3 pages of their Dictionary to Méhul's "masterpiece", which won the prize for the best operatic work created by Napoleon (according to Marc Honegger). A complete copy, but much "played with": heavy traces of turning in the right margins (sometimes restored), binding faded to say the least, signature and old stamp repeated "Dellemence", numerous handwritten interventions on the title page. *Nicolas ISOUARD dit NICOLO de Malte (1775-1818). Lulli et Quinault. Opéra-comique in one act, lyrics by Nanteuil. Paris, chez Bochsa Père [1812], half red basane with corners, spine decorated with gilt fillets and title, 164 pp. Large orchestral score of this short work with a surprising title, but Clément and Larousse devote only 3 lines of their Dictionary to this "impossible lunch", performed at the Opéra-comique on February 27, 1812, whose score has become highly sought-after. Contemporary binding, a little rubbed, small handwritten label glued to spine.