Frosch, Johannes

first edition, 40 leaves, folio (31.5 x 20.4cm), including final blank, Schoeffer's fine woodcut device on title (by Hans Baldung Grien), large folding woodut diagram, 2 full-page woodcuts, 16 pages of type-set music (including 3 motets), finely printed by double impression, later binding incorporating part of a medieval music manuscript on vellum, small wormholes throughout, some affecting the text, repairs to leading margins in the first 18 leaves, including title, light browning in F

Jodocus Nass 1564 (his stamp below the colophon); Alfred Cortot (his bookplate and two ownership stamps to corners).

Hirsch, i 183 (device illustrated on plate XI); VD16 F 3144; Adams F1082; Gregory & Bartlett, i, 98; RISM Écrits, p.336; Muller (Strasbourg), II, 333 (19); Brunet, ii, 1411; cf. Davies (Devices) 30

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."

Rare: we have traced only two other copies sold at auction since World War II, in 1948 and 1995.

Johannes Frosch (c.1470-c.1533) was a composer as well as a theorist, and this treatise includes some 4- and 6-part motets printed in choirbook format (all voices appearing together on the same opening).  "As a composer, Frosch displayed a fine talent and excellent training" (Clement Miller in TNG, 9, 293).  The music is notable for displaying the rare and difficult technique of printing by double-impression, as pioneered by Ottaviano Petrucci: "although the number of  [Peter Schoeffer's] music publications was relatively small...he is perhaps best known for his superb craftsmanship in this field" (Marie Louise Göllner in TNG, 22, 576).  The early ownership stamp is notable: according to Heinrich Hermelink, Jodocus Naß may possibly be identified as Jodocus Nassauw, who matriculated at Tübingen in 1566.