G. Bononcini. First edition of his opera "Astarto", 1721

Bononcini, Giovanni

Astartus an Opera as it was Perform'd at the Kings Theatre for the Royal Accademy [score], London: J. Walsh and J. Hare, [1721] 

FIRST EDITION, 2 leaves, 81 pages, folio (34.2 x 22.8cm), engraved throughout, table of songs and advertisement, early inscription ("Giv'n to y^e Musick-Club by M^r. Professor Goodson Aug: 30 1722") and stamp of 'Musical Society Oxford' to title, Dolmetsch Library stamp and pencil shelfmark ("II C 45") to verso of title, manuscript Dolmetsch Library label affixed to head of spine with translucent adhesive tape, old manuscript labels to upper cover ("21"; "915 V"), contemporary marbled boards, red morocco label gilt to upper cover ("Astartus"), with later endpapers (watermarked "1804"), cracked at lower hinge, old ink stains to outer edges, covers worn

RARE. The last copy we have traced at auction was sold in these rooms on 9 December 1999 (lot 42).

A revised version of Bononcini's original opera of 1715 was premiered at the King's Theatre in London in November 1720. It was one of only two London operas for which Bononcini, Handel's great London rival, published the overture and arias (for the other, Griselda, see following lot).

The inscription on the title shows that the volume was once owned by the Oxford Heather Professor of Music Richard Goodson Jr. (1688-1741), and given to the Oxford music club in 1722. Goodson is notable for having bequeathed a substantial music library to Christ Church, Oxford.

LITERATURE:

RISM B 3557 and BB 3557; Smith and Humphries, no.191