MOREAU Jean-Baptiste Intermèdes en musique de la tragédie d’Esther. Propres pour les dames religieuses & toutes autres personnes.

Guibert, 105:3 ; Fétis, VI, 192.

First edition under this new title. The musique had previously been published in 1689 under the title Chœurs de la tragédie d’Esther.

The large head-piece at the beginning of the scores is engraved by the famous woodcutter Papillon.

“Madame de Maintenon ayant prié Racine de composer pour les Demoiselles de Saint-Cyr, dont elle assurait l’éducation, un poème moral susceptible de les distraire il découvrit dans l’histoire d’Esther des situations et des sentiments propres à satisfaire les goûts de sa protectrice et de convenir au but de l’institution” (Guibert).

The tragedy was first performed for the King on 26 January 1689 in a sumptuous setting. The play was a great success, and it was thanks to it that the King awarded its author the title of ‘Gentilhomme ordinaire de sa majesté’.

Jean-Baptiste Moreau (1656-1733) received his musical education in his native town of Angers before moving to Paris. He was introduced to Victoire de Bavière and later entered the service of the king. “Ce fut lui que Racine choisit pour composer la première musique d’Esther et d’Athalie” (Fétis).

Magnificent, historical copy, bound with the coat of arms of Saint-Cyr and with binders instruction on the first page.

A pencil note suggests that this copy was used during the performances organised at the school (“servi pour les représentations“).