TÔN-THÂT Tiêt (born 1933). Autograph musical manuscript,... Lot 370

TÔN-THÂT Tiêt (born 1933). Autograph musical manuscript, L'Arbalète magique, 2004; 130 pages, 35.5 x 26 cm. Orchestral score for this chamber opera. Commissioned by Roland Hayrabedian for a series of musical tales, the chamber opera L'Arbalète magique, on a libretto by Tâm Qùy, was premiered in 2007 at the Cartoucherie de Vincennes, by the Musicatreize ensemble under the direction of Roland Hayrabedian, who have recorded it (Actes Sud 2007) The composer has stated that "the subject of this "opera" is inspired by a Vietnamese legend recounting the love story of a Vietnamese princess and a Chinese prince from a time far removed from the history of Vietnam. The Magic Crossbow is a kind of musical theatre with song, dance, chorus and narrator, and a small instrumental ensemble, in the manner of the traditional Vietnamese musical theatre, the "Cheo". It is divided as follows: Prologue (p. 1-35, 11'45); Tableau I (p. 36-67, 13'45); Interlude (p. 68-77, 5'20); Tableau II (p. 78-112, 16'50); Epilogue (p. 113-130, 6'). It has 752 bars. The vocal ensemble requires 2 sopranos (one in the role of Princess My Châu), 2 altos, 2 tenors (one in the role of Prince Trong Thuy), 2 baritones (one in the role of the King), and a bass. The instrumental ensemble includes flute, viola and percussion. The manuscript is carefully written in black ink on paper of 18, 20 or 22 staves; it is initialed at the end and dated "Saint-Maur 12/11/2004". The composer has written the didascalies throughout the score; the spoken interventions are noted on collettes; there are corrections in tipex.