Carmen: 25 Lithographs of Original Gouaches based on the Opera Carmen. Complete Libretto of the Opera Carmen. Introduction by Leopold Stokowski.

New York: Shorewood Publishers Inc, 1970. DALI, Salvador. . "Carmen." 25 Lithographs of Original Gouaches based on the Opera Carmen. Complete Libretto of the Opera Carmen. Introduction by Leopold Stokowski. New York: Shorewood Publishers Inc, 1970.

The complete set of twenty-five color lithographs from the opera Carmen. From the Roman Numeral edition of CXXV on d'Arches Vellum, this being number II. Out of the total of 125 in roman numerals. Large folio (25 5/8 x 19 3/4 inches; 650 x 500mm). The full sheets are loose, as issued. With original tissue guards. With two title-pages and accompanying leaves of text. All sheets housed in the original red cloth portfolio lettered in gilt and black. Each print signed and numbered II/CXXV in pencil, by Dali in the lower margin. Some minor wear to the box. Some minor smudging and rubbing to margins of the title-page. Otherwise about fine.

"Bizet's opera 'Carmen' was first performed in March, 1875 at the Opera Comique in Paris. Both the public and critics received it coldly, but today it is one of the most loved operas all over the world. Its melodies and rhythms are in the hearts and souls of music lovers everywhere. The inspired music of 'Carmen' can be heard not only in opera houses and concert halls, but recently I heard a workman, who was plastering a wall in my studio, whistling a melody from 'Carmen.' I asked him, 'What is that beautiful music you are whistling?' and he said 'I do not know but I love it and whistle it very often.' To move in thought from a workman who loves the music of Bizet to one of the greatest painters of today, Salvador Dali, is a giant step. Dali has made lithograph impressions of Bizet's 'Carmen' and these important lithographs will be exhibited in museums all over the world for the enjoyment of millions of men, women and children who admire the visual arts as well as Music. Life is changing rapidly. There are no more sound barriers or visual barriers today. Now the world will be able to see these masterly paintings of Dali through television everywhere in the world, and at the same time hear the inspired music of 'Carmen.' It is a great privilege for me to welcome this harmonious combination of great visual art and equally great music by Dali and Bizet." (From the introduction)

HBS 69129.

$29,500.