Zweig MS 16

Vocal line only, written in ink on a single stave, with the words beneath for the opening section and at the end. The role is for basso cantante, and though here originally written without clef or key signature, is notated in G in the bass clef; a soprano C clef has been inserted before it in a later hand. The melody and words both differ in minor detail from the Ricordi published vocal score, and the words of the opening phrase are corrected from ‘O bel giorno desiato’. Below the vocal sketch, at the foot of the page, are four bars of the opening orchestral ritornello, again on a single stave, this time with treble clef and key and time signatures. Composer’s name added in ink at the bottom right of recto.

The first version of the opera, as ‘Bianca e Gernando’, was written for Naples, 1826. ‘Bianca e Fernando’, with the libretto of D. Gilardoni revised by Romani, was first given in Genoa in April 1828. This Allegro section of Filippo’s aria ‘Estinto!... che ascoltai?’ was added for the revised version.