In search of the music for Le Mariage de Figaro: a new score discovered in Bordeaux

This article expounds on the discovery of an unpublished score of the music for Beaumarchais’ Le Mariage de Figaro at Bordeaux’s municipal library. Copied for the début staging of the comedy at the Grand Théâtre in 1789, it contains, in its entirety, the original stage music by Baudron (until now unlocatable). It is therefore a crucial reference point for understanding the sonic, musical, and choreographic dramaturgy deployed by Beaumarchais in this comedy.