Bateson, Thomas

6 parts in one volume, 4to (8 11/16 x 6 1/2 in.; 222 x 155 mm). Separate title-pages for each of the six voices (Cantus, Altus, Tenor, Quintus, Bassus) within a border of printer's ornaments, the imprint date set within a woodcut cartouche, each part with its own register,  dedication to Sir William Norres repeated in each part, historiated and foliated woodcut initials. Nineteenth-century light tan morocco paneled gilt by F. Bedford, gilt cornerpieces, the spine gilt in six compartments (two with green morocco lettering-pieces), marbled endpapers, edges gilt. Condition overall pristine.

Henry Huth (sale, Sotheby's, Part 1, 15 November 1911, Lot 498) — John Whipple Frothingham (armorial bookplate on front endpaper) — Tajan ("Bibliothèque d'un amateur," 4 December 2008, lot 96). acquisition: Purchased at foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch

STC 1586; ESTC S101050

6 parts in one volume, 4to (8 11/16 x 6 1/2 in.; 222 x 155 mm) Separate title-pages for each of the six voices (Cantus, Altus, Tenor, Quintus, Bassus) within a border of printer's ornaments, the imprint date set within a woodcut cartouche, each part with its own register, dedication to Sir William Norres repeated in each part, historiated and foliated woodcut initials. Nineteenth-century light tan morocco paneled gilt by F. Bedford, gilt cornerpieces, the spine gilt in six compartments (two with green morocco lettering pieces), marbled endpapers, edges gilt. Condition overall pristine.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The scarce first edition of Bateson's first set of madrigals, the Huth copy. Of the twelve surviving copies recorded in ESTC, five are imperfect; no copy other than this the Huth copy has appeared at auction. 

Bateson (1570–1630) is said to have been organist of Chester Cathedral in 1599, and is believed to have been the first musical graduate of Trinity College, Dublin. He served as Vicar Choral and organist of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, from 1609 until his death. While he composed church music, he is best known for his madrigals, which rank him among the most important Elizabethan composers. Bateson published another set of madrigals in 1618.