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Manuscript entitled "Recueil de Chansons Choisies en Vaudeville"

 Item — Box: CLX-A-1605
Identifier: Coll-2117

Content Description

Manuscript volume entitled "Recueil de Chansons Choisies en Vaudeville Pour servir a l'histoire Anecdote depuis [blank] jusqu'a present" ("Collection of Selected Vaudeville Songs, to Serve History Anecdote [sic] from [blank] until today") containing 101 French vaudeville songs with 58 scores, dated and annotated with notes explaining the figures and events referred to in the songs. At the end, there is also an index of people named in the songs, "Tables despersonnnes denommées et Matiere Contenues dans ce troisieme Volume" ("Index of named persons and matters contained in this third volume"). This volume is the third tome of a set.

This manuscript, with its annotations, represents the hidden or populist reactions to political, sacred and secular events in France at the time.

Dates

  • Creation: 1690-1700

Language of Materials

French

Physical Description

401 pages + 13 pages of index, 4to. 27.5 cm x 19 cm. Contemporary paper wrappers spine worn.

Conditions Governing Access

Open. Please contact the repository in advance.

Biographical / Historical

The term "Vaudeville" likely originates from "vaux-de-vire," which were satirical songs sung to popular tunes in the 15th-century Val-de-Vire (Vau-de-Vire) region of Normandy, France. By the early 18th century, it transitioned into theatrical use, describing a method used by professional actors to bypass the dramatic monopoly of the Comédie-Française. Unable to perform legitimate drama, they presented their plays in pantomime, using lyrics and choruses set to well-known melodies to interpret the action. Over time, this evolved into a form of light musical drama, incorporating spoken dialogue with songs, and became popular across Europe.

Extent

1 volume ; 27.5 cm x 19 cm

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased in August 2023. Accession no. SC-Acc-2023-0175.

Physical Description

401 pages + 13 pages of index, 4to. 27.5 cm x 19 cm. Contemporary paper wrappers spine worn.

Processing Information

Catalogued by Aline Brodin in April 2024, using information supplied by the seller.

Title
Recueil de chansons choisies en vaudeville, 1690-1700
Author
Aline Brodin
Date
April 2024
Description rules
Isad(G)2
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository

Contact:
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379