T9

Reyer, Erostrate

opéra en deux actes

vocal score
Original work: Ernest Reyer (1823–1909), Erostrate, opera in two acts, libretto by Joseph Méry and Émilien Pacini, first played in Baden-Baden on 21-8-1862. Bizet helped Reyer with rehearsals in the summer of 1862. The opera received two performances at the Paris Opéra in October 1871.
Transcription: 1862. It seems likely that Bizet undertook the transcription of the vocal score for Choudens, although the score does not identify the arranger. He was certainly in charge of rehearsals in Paris in July and August 1862 and he may have done some of the orchestration. Curtiss (p. 469) states that Bizet made a piano solo transcription of the opera, but if such a thing was ever made, it was not published.
Autograph score: not known
Printed score:
1
pl. no.:

A.C. 966

pages:

title page, blank, dedication, blank, Table, blank, music 1–155, blank

date:

1862

note:

in French and German

copies:
  • F-Pn Rés. 2367
    (damaged)
  • F-Pn Vm5 2274
    (lacks title page)
  • US-CAe Mus 792.5.640
  • IMSLP
2

Choudens, a later issue, lacking the last line of the title page and the dedication. Copy: US-CAe Mus 792.5.641.

3

Choudens Fils, 30 Boulevard des Capucines, with a new title page. US-Wc M1503 R457 E7.


Letters:
summer 1862, Bizet to Barbier:
'I am presently very tied up with rehearsals for Reyer's Erostrate... '
Sotheby's, 7-12-2001

summer 1862, Reyer to Bizet:
'Il n'y a pas d'accompagnement à la fin du Trio – quelques accords seulement qui serviront à vous guider et au-delà ! – je n'ai pas jugé utile de vous en donner davantage.'
Lacombe, p. 284

autumn 1862, Bizet to Choudens:
'Si nous voulions régulariser nos comptes rigoureusement nous arriverions à un total un peu plus fort que je ne le croyais moi-même. Par exemple, Erostrate . . . 200 [fr.]'
copy at F-Po
Bibliography: