MOZART Wolfgang Amadeus. — LACHNITH Ludwig We... Lot n° 614

Overture and arias from Les Mistères d'Isis, music by W. A. Mozart, arranged for the Forté-Piano by Lachnith. Paris, Sieber fils, s.d [1801]. In-4, long grain red morocco, frame of crossed wheels at the corners, gilt numeral in the center, smooth spine decorated, inner wheel, blue moire guards, gilt edges, modern slipcase (contemporary binding). Original edition. 15 scores engraved on copper for the Mysteries of Isis, a French adaptation or rather a parody of Mozart's The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte), composed by Lachnith (1746-1820) in 1801 and premiered the same year at the Paris Opera. The work, adapted to the requirements of the first French operatic stage and transformed into a grand opera in four acts, was the pretext for the creation of sumptuous sets that were conducive to transporting the audience to an ancient and fairy-tale Egypt. Its dazzling success enabled Mozart to shine on the French stage for the first time. A copy of Hortense de Beauharnais' figure (1783-1837). Slightly rubbed on the binding, spine rubbed.