GOUNOD Charles. 3 autograph MUSICAL MANUSCRIPTS signed "Ch. Gounod" and "Charles Gounod", [1873-1874]; 28, 126 and 50 pages in-fol. (35.5 x 27.5 cm). Three biblical pieces or oratorios. It was in 1873 that Gounod began a great cycle of Fifteen Christian Mysteries which will remain unfinished and unpublished, except for the first two manuscripts presented here [Condé p. 504-508]. The Star in the East [CG 37a], "Introduction to the Christian Mysteries"; piece for orchestra that was to serve as an introduction to the cycle, evoking the march of the Three Kings; manuscript in purple ink on 24-stave paper (28 pages, with a large "Georgina Weldon" signature crossing out all the leaves). The Annunciation (The First Koyous Mistery) [CG 37b], for solo mezzosoprano, mixed chorus, and orchestra, in eight parts (each with its own title); Georgina Weldon wrote the words, based on the New Testament; the manuscript is written in purple (or black) ink on 26-stave paper, with corrections, scrapings, pastes, and a few bars and pages crossed out (large Georgina Weldon signature across the leaves). The set is dedicated at the head to Queen Victoria: " Dedicated by special Permission To Her Most Gracious Majesty The Queen Victoria ". N° 1 chorus " There shall come forth "..., Allegretto ; - N° 2 (The Angel Gabriel) " And the Angel Gabriel "..., Moderato ; - N° 3, chorus : " He shall feed his flock " ; - N° 4, narrative, solo and chorus : " And when She saw him "... No. 5, chorus "The people that walked in darkness"; No. 6, recital, solo and chorus: "Then said Mary unto the Angel"...; No. 7 Thanksgiving chorus: "For unto us a child is born"; No. 8, recital and final chorus: "And the Government shall be upon his shoulder"... Plus the solo part " Solo part " (title and 6 pages). On the Sea of Galilea, a Biblical Fragment for solo, chorus and orchestra [CG 41, Condé p. 535-536], dated London February 1874, and dedicated to his dear friend William Henry Weldon. For baritone, mixed choir and orchestra, after Matthew (VIII, 24-27): "And when Jesus was entered into a ship"... The end of the last movement seems to be missing. 50 folio pages including title in purple ink on 26-stave bifurcated sheets (ink stamp Georgina Weldon for the Orphanage on the title), with metronomic indications in red pencil, and corrections by scratching.