Lot 74
  • 74

Rhau, Georg.

Estimate
12,000 - 15,000 GBP
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Description

  • Fine sixteenth-century volume of German tracts on music by Rhau and Galliculus, with editions of Cicero and Vergil, in a contemporary dated binding
  • ink and paper
Helding, Michael. Brevis institutio ad christianam pietatem, Mainz: Schoeffer, 1550, ff.78 [& 1], 25 woodcuts, some full-page, including Schoeffer's device at end, [VD16 H1581]
Galliculus, Johannes. Libellus de compositione cantus, Wittenberg: heirs of Georg Rhau, 1551, ff.20, woodcut music on 19 pages, final page slightly affected by early annotation to verso, [RISM Écrits, p.346; VD16 G229]
Vergilius Maro, Publius. Bucolica, Cologne, 1556, ff.40, [not in VD16, but cf VD16 V1499 (1555)], and another by Vergil (incomplete, containing Books XI-XII of the "Aeneid"), perforations from staining to a few margins
Cicero, Marcus Tullius. Loraison que Cicero pronunca le jour de devant qu'il allast en exil [translated by Estiene le Blanc], Paris: Vincent Sertenas, 1535; ff.15, interleaved with a transcript of the Latin text in a fine sixteenth-century French hand, 36 leaves in all, lacking final blank [Rare: one copy only: in Bologna]
Rhau, Georg. Enchiridion utriusque musicae practicae, Wittenberg: heirs of G. Rhau, 1552, ff.84, woodcut portrait of Rhau, and 4 woodcuts at the end, woodcut music on 78 pages, [RISM Écrits, p.698 (only one copy recorded, in Erlangen)]
Eilff schöner newer Lieder. Frankfurt, 1552, ff.8, typographical decorations, [VD16 E994 (no copy traced)]



6 volumes in one, 8vo (c.15.5 x 9.5cms), fine German panelled calf, 8 or 9 historiated scenes with legends to borders of both covers, including a Crucifixion (dated 1559), clasps, contemporary and early annotations, including inscriptions to fly-leaves, inscribed fore-edges, book plate and stamps of Alfred Cortot, rear joint cracking but sound, staining to first title

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."

Catalogue Note

Rare: examples of sixteenth-century printed music are increasingly rare at auction. This is a fine collection of editions. Georg Rhau (1488-1548) is best known as a music publisher, but he was in fact appointed Kantor at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig in 1518.  His extensive woodcut music and musical examples are most attractive.