- 179
Beethoven, Ludwig van
Estimate
4,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Beethoven, Ludwig van
- A Complete Collection of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven's Symphonies, in Score...No. [xxvii], [titled above the music: "Beethoven's Symph: III. Sinfonia Eroica composta per celebrare la morte d'un' Eroe"], London: Cianchettini & Sperati, [April-May 1809]
- paper
first edition of the score of Symphony no.3 (the "Eroica"), [2] & 128 pages, large 8vo (c.25 x 18cm), engraved throughout, plate "No.27", modern quarter morocco, the general title annotated on verso, trimmed to plate, slightly affecting the plate number on p.123, foxing and some browning
Rare. Printed full scores of symphonies were rarely published at this time. The autograph manuscript of the "Eroica" Symphony, one of Beethoven's greatest works, is lost.
The first edition of the "Eroica" was published in Vienna in 1806, but only as orchestral parts; a complete set of those is almost unobtainable today. Kinsky & Halm (p.54) observe that the present "most praise-worthy edition" (which pre-dates the first German edition by thirteen years) barely circulated on the Continent because of the Napoleonic blockade on trade with Britain, and it remained practically unknown in Germany. Outside Britain, we understand there are nine copies in institutional libraries, including at Bonn, Berlin, Paris, San José (Beethoven Center), Harvard and the Library of Congress. We have traced no copies in the great institutional libraries in Oxford, Cambridge, New York or Vienna.
Rare. Printed full scores of symphonies were rarely published at this time. The autograph manuscript of the "Eroica" Symphony, one of Beethoven's greatest works, is lost.
The first edition of the "Eroica" was published in Vienna in 1806, but only as orchestral parts; a complete set of those is almost unobtainable today. Kinsky & Halm (p.54) observe that the present "most praise-worthy edition" (which pre-dates the first German edition by thirteen years) barely circulated on the Continent because of the Napoleonic blockade on trade with Britain, and it remained practically unknown in Germany. Outside Britain, we understand there are nine copies in institutional libraries, including at Bonn, Berlin, Paris, San José (Beethoven Center), Harvard and the Library of Congress. We have traced no copies in the great institutional libraries in Oxford, Cambridge, New York or Vienna.
Literature
Fuld, p.554; Kinsky/Halm, p.130; not in Hoboken
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."