- 521
Fux, Johann Joseph
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Fux, Johann Joseph
- Gradus ad Parnassum, Sive Manuductio ad compositionem musicae regularem, methodo novâ, ac certâ, nondum antè tam exacto ordine in lucem edita, Vienna: J.P. Van Ghelen, 1725
- Paper
first edition, [8] & 280 pages, folio (31.5 x 20cms), engraved frontispiece depicting Orpheus and Pegasus on Mount Parnassus (folding), woodcut vignettes and capitals, engraving of a monochord on F2, extensive type-set music, including complete fugues, contemporary half pigskin, stencilled brown boards, eighteenth century ownership inscriptions, frontispiece folded and cropped at head and foot, staining to one page, another torn along lower edge, affecting the text
Literature
PMM 183; Hirsch, i 185; Gregory & Barlett, p.100; RISM Écrits, p.340
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
"This is one of the most influential and long-lived of all works of music theory" (PMM) and "the most important modern textbook of counterpoint" (TNG). Fux's treatise has been the touchstone for all composers seeking expertise in contrapuntal writing ever since. It was used by Mozart for his lessons with Thomas Attwood and its principles influenced the fugal writing in his own string quartets. Debussy invoked Fux in his 'Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum' from the Children's Corner Suite (1906). The work was translated into German, Italian, English and French in the eighteenth century, but the first edition is uncommon at auction.