LEONCAVALLO RUGGERO: (1857-1919) Italian Composer. A.M.Q.S., R Leoncavallo, on an oblong 8vo page removed from an autograph album, Berlin, 22nd May 1904. In bold black fountain pen ink the composer has penned four bars of music on a holograph stave, with words ('Mamma usciva di casa in su l'aurora!') in his hand beneath, which he identifies as being from Act III of his opera Zaza (1900). Also signed to the verso by Francois Coppee (1842-1908, French Poet & Novelist, dated Paris, July 1903 in his hand) and one other individual. Some very slight, minor age wear, otherwise VG

Interestingly Leoncavallo has marked the present quotation 'Lento', indicating that it is taken from the original version of his opera as performed in E minor in 1900. Later printed editions of this piece, the concert hall singer Zaza's aria, are marked 'Andante mesto' and to be performed in G minor.

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