Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus

Lehre vom richtigen Verhältnissen zu den Schöpfungswerken...[Mit] einer Musik von W. A. Mozart, Hamburg: Herausgeber [F.H. Ziegenhagen], 1792 633 pages, 8vo (c.17.7 x 11cm), 7 (of 8) engraved plates (including folding frontispiece) by Chodowiecki, Mozart's cantata on 4 folding sheets bound at the end: 'In Musik gesetzt vom Hrn. W. A. Mozart, Kapellm. und k.k. Kammerkompos.', 8 pages (up to 22 x 28.5cm); first edition, typeset music, largely uncut, lacking wrappers, original spine mostly defective (retaining fragments of the manuscript title), some creasing, a few small tears

Haberkamp, p.352; RISM M 4161 and MM 4161

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.  Haberkamp lists four copies of the first edition, including one comprising just the eight pages of music extracted from the volume; RISM lists nine copies of the music in all.   Mozart recorded this cantata in his own autograph thematic catalogue (the Verzeichnüß) in July 1791 as "Eine kleine deutsche Kantate für eine Stimme am Klavier".  It is scored for (male) voice and piano, but its style is "conspicuously orchestral", even operatic, including instrumental introductions, a recitative and five aria and arioso sections.   It was commissioned by the freemason and poet Franz Ziegenhagen, apparently for use at his lodge in Regensburg, called "The Friends of Nature".