N. Porpora. The Favourite Songs in the Opera Call'd Temistocle, 1743

Porpora, Nicola

The Favourite Songs in the Opera Call'd Temistocle [score], London, J. Walsh, [1743]

FIRST EDITION, 1 leaf, 20 pages, folio (32.5 x 22.7cm), engraved music, passe-partout title, pp.17 and 18 not printed on one side only (as called for in Smith & Humphries), Dolmetsch Library stamp and pencil shelfmark ("II E 19") to verso of title, the leaves detached, washed and mounted on guards, modern paper wrappers, modern cloth folder with conservator's label dated 2 April 2007, a few repairs to edges and corners of title-leaf,browning to outer leaves

RARE. We have not traced a copy of this exceptionally uncommon print at auction in modern times.

The future teacher of Joseph Haydn, Nicola Porpora (1686-1768) had been invited to London in 1733 by the 'Opera of the Nobility', the rival company to Handel's. Temistocle, first performed on 22 February 1743 at the King's Theatre, Haymarket, was one of five operas written in London during Porpora's three years there.

LITERATURE:

RISM P 5114; cf. Smith & Humphries 1225