Bach, Johann Sebastian

first edition, early issue, oblong 4to (25 x 33.5cm), 190 pages, engraved throughout, subscribers' list and index, plate number 1571 (corrected on pp.143 and 157), a good copy with strong dark impressions, publisher's stamps to title, ownership inscriptions to front free endpaper, modern pencil annotation to p.112, nineteenth-century moiré cloth, small tear to front free endpaper repaired, some spotting and browning, including to title [RISM B 436 and BB 436; cf. Hoboken, i 27; Fuld, p.171]

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."

The only differences from the first issue are the two corrected plate numbers and two new ones added at the foot of pages 42 and 176.  This copy contains the index, as called for by Fuld for the first edition. The St. Matthew Passion, one of Bach's supreme masterpieces, was first published in the wake of the famous performance in Leipzig by Mendelssohn on 11 March 1829, the most important event in the Bach revival of the nineteenth century. The arrangement for the vocal score was made by Mendelssohn's friend A.B. Marx.