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Notable French composer of ballets and operas (1836-1891). Autograph working musical manuscript by Léo Delibes for “Que l’heure est donc brève,” signed at the conclusion, “Léo D,” three pages, 10.5 x 13.75, no date. The manuscript is notated in G minor on 20-stave music paper, arranged in five three-stave systems per page on the rectos only, for tenor (or soprano) and piano. Delibes sets a text by the noted French poet Armand Silvestre, beginning: “Que l’heure est donc brève, / Qu’on passe en aimant!” The manuscript shows evidence of active composition, with a number of erasures and corrections throughout, and the original titles at the head of the first page crossed out. The three leaves are tied together with string threaded through a small hole in the blank upper inner margin. In fine condition, with scattered light toning and staining.
“Que l’heure est donc brève” was published by G. Hartmann in 1885 as No. 2 of 'Quinze mélodies et deux choeurs pour voix de femmes.' Its wistful Silvestre text—meditating on the fleeting nature of love and enchantment—suited the refined lyricism for which Delibes was admired. Although best remembered for the opera Lakmé and the ballets Coppélia and Sylvia, Delibes was also a graceful and polished composer of vocal music, noted for his melodic charm, harmonic elegance, and sure theatrical instinct.
A desirable working manuscript by one of 19th-century France’s most important stage composers, revealing Delibes in the act of revision through visible corrections, erasures, and abandoned title headings. Autograph manuscripts by Delibes with clear compositional changes are especially appealing, offering a direct glimpse into the craftsmanship behind his elegant French mélodie style.
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