19th Century Original Manuscript Sheet Music from "The Dead Heart" Stage Play

London, circa 1860; quarto (10 3/8" x 12 1/2"); heavy brown paper wraps. Handwritten music score for Watts Phillips’ historic 19th c. dramatic stage play "The Dead Heart, A Tale Of The Bastille," Three Act Play with prologue set amidst the turmoil of the French Revolution, first performed at London’s Adelphi Nov. 10, 1859. Six pages of music by Alfred Mellon, for horn, including opening music, a dance, a song for the character of Reboule, two brief cues, and music for the beginning of Act One. Highly popular in its day, "The Dead Heart" became the subject of much controversy when mutual claims of plagiarism arose between the playwright and Charles Dickens. In 1857 Phillips had submitted the play, together with two others, to actor/impresario Benjamin Webster for consideration at the Adelphi. As the first two plays were not well received by audiences, Webster delayed production of "The Dead Heart." However in 1859 the first serialized parts of Dickens’ "The Tale Of Two Cities," suspiciously similar in character and plot, began appearing in "All The Year ‘Round" magazine, garnering much attention and enthusiasm. Webster quickly burst into action and put Phillips’ play upon the stage, and the legal and personal battles soon began. Who may have borrowed from whom is still open to question, but Webster claimed that shortly after receipt of the script in 1857 he had held a reading of the play with a small group of friends in Brighton, at which Dickens had been present. Whatever the fact, Phillips and Dickens eventually reconciled, ending the feud which had plagued their friendship for some time. Notable violinist/composer/conductor Alfred Mellon was leader of the Adelphi orchestra and married to prominent actress Sarah Woolgar. He was author of two operas as well as numerous songs and scores for the dramatic stage, including the highly successful American drama "The Green Bushes" which starred Madame Celeste in her most famous leading role as Miami, half Indian, half French heroine of the play. Excellent condition, clean and bright, binding perfectly sound. Rare.