Martha; or, The Fair at Richmond

is the outcome of extended and careful work, having for its aim the presentation of a version of this opera which shall be adapted primarily for use in schools.
It is suitable for performance in concert form as well as on the stage with scenery and in costume.
Everything of value in the musical score has been retained in the present edition. All dull and uninteresting numbers and tedious unnecessary repetitions have been left out, while the valuable music of the opera has been retained and the same has been brought together into a harmonious whole.
The text has been revised and, where necessary, rewritten, and is superior to the editions now current both in literary excellence and in the valuable desideratum of accents and other adaptabilities to musical utterance.
The Laurel Octavo Libretto of MARTHA supplies the dialogue, stage directions and everything in which the copy for concert purposes is lacking to make the Opera suitable for stage representation.
Costumes may be obtained through the publishers.
Orchestration of this edition may be obtained from the publishers.
C. C. Birchard & Company
(Lady Harriet, maid of honor to the queen, has grown listless and pale, refusing to join in the court revels. Sir Tristan, an old knight, makes love to her; she will have nothing to say to him, and only asks to be let alone. She is tired of her conventional life, and longs for some new and strange adventure. The curtain rises on her richly furnished boudoir. Lady Harriet is lying listlessly on a couch or arm chair, before her dressing table. Nancy is putting finishing touches on her mistress' toilet. The ladies in attendance are grouped near the door in center. )
Chorus. Bright as are the stars of heaven, Sweet as any April flow'r, Gay of heart, of gentle bearing, Bless'd with beauty's radiant dower, Why so sad and pale with languor Grows thy face, O lovely maid? Why our friendly circle shunning, Dost thou sigh alone, As were some dawning joy delayed? Every splendid gift of fortune, All that riches can impart, Waits upon the maiden's pleasure, Nothing wins her heart.