Gounod Roméo et Juliette

[Gutrun]

Hello! Does anyone know about the missing aria in the orchestral score of Gounods opera Romeo et Juliette? Nr 17 Scène et Air can only be found in the vocal scores.

[panda]

While the aria was included in the 1867 vocal score, it was not sung in the first performances because it did not suit the singer's voice. Gounod authorised its removal and this is reflected in the 1876 orchestral score. At least five different vocal scores, all slightly different to reflect different productions, were published before 1888. I understand it is not often performed but if the singer has the right voice it can be very effective.