- 64
Handel, George Frideric.
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- Messiah an Oratorio in Score as it was originally performed...to which are added his additional alterations, [full score], first edition, Randall & Abell, [1767]
188 and 35 pages, folio (c.35 5 x 25cms), engraved throughout, first states of the subscribers' list and the figured bass on p.19 of the Appendix (and similarly on pp.8, 9, 14, 59 etc), rests lacking in the bass vocal part on p.180, in one volume with continuous pagination (ie no blank after p.73), modern half calf, paper-loss to title and final leaf repaired, browning and staining, especially to the lower corners, pen trials on p.173
Rare: we have no record of the first edition appearing at auction for nearly twenty years. James Fuld recorded six copies of this issue, in which the engraved plates are found in the earliest state. The publishers Randall & Abell subsequently revised the figured bass in a number of places in editions published later in 1767 and 1768, and then updated the 'List of Subscribers' in 1769-1773; Smith records six issues by them in all.
Rare: we have no record of the first edition appearing at auction for nearly twenty years. James Fuld recorded six copies of this issue, in which the engraved plates are found in the earliest state. The publishers Randall & Abell subsequently revised the figured bass in a number of places in editions published later in 1767 and 1768, and then updated the 'List of Subscribers' in 1769-1773; Smith records six issues by them in all.
Literature
Fuld pp.265-266; cf Smith (Handel) nos 1/2; Smith, Concerning Handel, p.89; RISM H 718
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
It is possible that the copy printed and bound in three volumes (exemplar in BL: RM.7.g.6: bound for George III) might be earlier than this, but the plates are the same state as here. Neither copy features the thicker "d"s and "t"s on the title, perceived by WC Smith in his own unique "first issue copy" (and illustrated in his Concerning Handel, (1948) p.116); but, as Fuld says, those details were probably due to irregular inking rather than an earlier state of the plate. Other editions of the "Songs in Messiah" omitted the famous choral movements, such as the "Halleluja" chorus. The first edition does not contain the portrait frontispiece by Houbraken, which was not included in "Messiah" until the following year.