titled on the autograph wrapper: "Première Danse, poésie de Jacques Normand. Partition d'orchestre, (No.I), ton original (sol) pour baryton ou voix de femme", with autograph dedication ("à Mlle Gabrielle Lejeune de l'opéra-comique"), and dated at the end ("Egreville, la Matin 10 Oct.93 6h¼ du soir"), the full score elegantly notated in dark brown ink on seventeen staves per page, the words by Normand "Des bons vieux airs très connus", with rehearsal numbers added in blue crayon

18 leaves and autograph wrapper, folio (c.35 x 27cm), written on side only, 19 pages in all, numbered by the composer 1-18 (12a in place of 13), 20-stave paper, Égreville, 10 October 1893, browning on first page of music and at the edges throughout

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This song was published for voice and piano in 6 Mélodies, (Paris: Huegel, 1899), no.3. We have not traced an edition of the orchestral version. The dedicatee, Gabrielle Lejeune was a Belgian mezzo soprano, and Massenet's designation is for baritone or female voice, presumably therefore mezzo-soprano. This lot is illustrated on page 40.