Question
I'll admit it - I like almost all kinds of music, except opera. Just doesn't do much for me. However, recently I found these little guys in a box lot. They're in German, and appear to be some type of opera program. What would I call them? I recognize the Barber of Seville, and that's about it....
http://home.comcast.net/~melbay1/DSC02954.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~melbay1/DSC02953.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~melbay1/DSC02951.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~melbay1/DSC02952.JPG
Answer
I don't know much about opera but have enjoyed the few I've been able to attend. From your photo I recognize Tannhauser, Lohengrin, Rigoletto but can't make out the rest.
Could those booklets be librettos translated into German? Are they entire operas or perhaps excerpts?
from dictionary.com
li·bret·to n. pl. li·bret·tos or li·bret·ti (-brt)
1. The text of a dramatic musical work, such as an opera.
2. A book containing such a text.
Good luck! Wish I could read German, they look cool!
Ms. C.
Answer
well i went and got a close up it wasnt to clear but i saw
3 Wagner
2 Beethoven
2 Verde
there are others there that i could not manage to read because of loss of clarity in enlargement
however it would be really good to know exactly what it was
what are dates on each item (if they are print dated)
first copies yes/no
all the titles including composers
are they lyrical only as they appear to be
depending largely on the age of the item it could be worth a little bit
collector or musician would be most interested but i would recommend an appraisal on this before you put it on auction simply so you do not undersell yourself
as an afterthought i looked back at the pictures again
at least nine of the items including Barber of Seville appears to have a nazi symbol on it which from a collectors point of view, due to changes that may have been made in the interest of keeping hitler happy, may turn out to be worth quite a bit
however it may force you to look closely at ebays listing rules if you intend on going that route
Answer
what are dates on each item (if they are print dated)Some are dated 1946, some have no date at all
first copies yes/no
Duh, I would have no clue
are they lyrical only as they appear to be
Yes, they are lyrical only, with an occasional picture of the composer
Where would one get an appraisal on these?
Answer
hmm from my guess i believe you have a version that was given out at performances
i would attempt to try to contact three different types of appraisers
you want a book appraiser
a musical appraiser
and a world war two Nazi memorabilia appraiser
you may try to contact collectors for an appraisal but i would recommend a mid to high end auction house would be your best bet
Answer
I dont think I have ever sold an opera book, thouigh I have listed many....
These might be of interest to German book collectors, particulary of that paricular publisher. I wouldnt list on Ebay though. Preferably an international book site. I dont use them, but ILAB might be appropriate.