BY
C. C. BIRCHARD & COMPANY
Stanhope Press
F. H. GILSON COMPANY
BOSTON, U.S.A.
The Laurel Octavo Edition of Martha
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.