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French composer (1819–1880) best known for his popular stage works, most notably Orpheus in the Underworld (including the famous 'Can-Can') and The Tales of Hoffmann. Outstanding archive of Jacque Offenbach's autograph sketch-leaves for various operas, including the melody of the 'Marche' and 'Entr'acte' from 'La Vie parisienne,' a sketch for 'Orphée aux enfers,' and one leaf for 'Les contes d'Hoffmann,' with passages marked "Refrain," "Air Basse," "Chasse," and "Barcarolle." These musical sketches total 19 pages on 14 x 10.75 sheets, mostly single-sided and lined with twenty staves; they include the opening of a scene entitled "Pour la Sortie de Nathan (a voir dans ses couplets)" and settings various lyrics, such as "Parbleu ma gentille fauvette matin et soir me le redit." The pages are apparently not continuous, but represent a selection of discarded early conceptual drafts and sketches which he revised and incorporated into the larger works.
Additionally includes two ALSs by Offenbach—one proposing a "truly marvelous" role suited for a "splendid voice," the other saying, "I am beginning to orchestrate Orpheus…The 'Romance' is finished…but not yet the words"—plus a manuscript contract for the operetta Le docteur Ox, based on a story by Jules Verne, with music to be provided by Offenbach, signed at the conclusion by the composer and three others. Also accompanied by manuscript scribal copies of pieces entitled "Polka," "Tarentelle," and "Mélodie," totaling thirteen pages. In overall very good to fine condition, with an edge tear and loss to one of the musical manuscript pages.
