Manuscripts Facsimile Editions

Ricordi Autographs

Published Volumes

1. Gaetano Donizetti, Don Pasquale (2000)

A copublication by Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia (Rome) and Casa Ricordi. Facsimile edition in two volumes of the manuscript full score housed in the Ricordi Historical Archive, with an introductory essay by Philip Gossett (English and ltalian text).


2. Giuseppe Verdi, Otello (2002)

The facsimile of one of the most artistically valuable of Verdi’s manuscripts: the score of Otello, in a limited and numbered edition. The product is packaged in 2 boxes covered with green cloth, containing:

  • the facsimile of the autograph score in 4 volumes;
  • a folder with flaps and ribbon containing the facsimile of the Ballet Music and Act III Finale (Paris, 1894);
  • a colour volume on the history and iconography of the opera.

The iconographic volume (in ltalian and English), entitled Verdi’s Otello and Casa Ricordi, contains an essay by Gabriele Dotto on the birth of the artistic project, the process of composition and, in detail, Verdi’s editing of the autograph, with reference to the changes he introduced for the performances of Otello at the Paris Opéra in 1894. A second contribution, by Maria Pia Ferraris, deals with Otello and Casa Ricordi, and the textual part of the volume is concluded by an essay by Mercedes Viale Ferrero on the iconography of Otello, in particular the sets designed by Giovanni Zuccarelli for the first Rome performance of the opera and the costume designs by Alfredo Edel. The second part of the volume reproduces the pictures of Otello preserved in Ricordi’s Historical Archives: 6 sets by Zuccarelli, 58 sketches of complete costumes, details of costumes and props, 8 photographs of the interpreters and people involved in the project, the reproduction of a complete letter by Verdi and of several pages from the first libretto with notes concerning the audience’s response at the premiere. Of great interest to collectors, scholars, professionals, amateurs, University and music libraries, Theatres, this is undoubtedly a work which will astonish enthusiasts all over the world.


3. Giacomo Puccini, Tosca (2004)

Facsimile of the manuscript full score in a limited and numbered edition. An elegant dark-brown cloth covered box contains:

  • the facsimile manuscript full score in 3 volumes, printed in 4 colors, cloth bound, leather back with gold ornaments and capitals;
  • one volume with an essay by Roger Parker on the manuscript (‘Easy reading is damned hard writing’: Puccini at Work) and an essay by Mercedes Viale Ferrero on the iconography of Puccini’s opera (Tosca Viewed), reproducing iconographic materials housed in the Casa Ricordi Historical Archives. Texts in English and ltalian.