Vintage sheet music Fantaisie sur Le Voyage en Chine Bazin Gabriel-Marie

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Old sheet music visible in the photo, titled "Fantaisie sur Le Voyage en Chine," based on Bazin's opéra-comique, arranged by Gabriel-Marie. The cover features elegant typography typical of the late 19th or early 20th century, with artistic lettering and detailed information about the work and its arrangements. The publisher's name, "Paris MARGUERITAT, Éditeur, 21 Boulev. Bonne Nouvelle," is clearly printed at the bottom of the page, confirming an authentic Parisian edition from that period.

The visible sheet shows slightly yellowed paper, characteristic of old sheet music, with some foxing and natural patina. The top of the page bears the "G. Dravet" stamp in relief or faint ink, likely indicating a previous owner or a music library. The layout mentions different arrangement formats (full orchestra, small 8-part orchestra, piano, conductor's violin), making it a valuable document for musicians and musicologists.

The graphic style of the title page, with its curves and serifs, as well as the apparent format (single sheet of music, no visible hard cover), fully aligns with French musical publishing tradition of the Belle Époque. No additional decoration or illustration is present on this side, the simplicity of the design highlighting the text and the utilitarian function of the sheet music.

The overall hue is ivory, with a stark contrast between the dark gray/black text and the background. The edges of the sheet appear relatively clean, although some discrete signs of wear or handling are visible, with no major tears or apparent handwritten annotations on this side. The overall legibility is excellent.

The printed information also specifies reserved publishing and reproduction rights, a common mention on professional sheet music of this period. No decorative elements or musical illustrations are visible on the displayed side; the emphasis is on editorial clarity and the presentation of musical information.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Shows signs of use and age (yellowing, foxing, slight edge wear).

Did you know? François Bazin's opéra-comique "Le Voyage en Chine" premiered in Paris in 1865. Fantasies and paraphrases for orchestra or piano, like the one arranged by Gabriel-Marie, were very popular in the late 19th century to introduce the public to opera tunes outside of concert halls, and often served as repertoire for salons and musical societies.

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