- 226
J.S. BACH. FIRST EDITION OF "DAS WOHLTEMPERIRTE CLAVIER", BOOKS 1 & 2, BONN: SIMROCK, 1801-1802
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description
- Johann Sebastian Bach
- 48 Préludes et Fugues dans tous les tons, tant Majeurs, que Mineurs. Pour le Clavecin ou Piano Forté, [Books 1 and 2], Paris and Bonn: Simrock, [1801-1802]
FIRST SIMROCK EDITION OF "DAS WOHLTEMPERIRTE CLAVIER", 2 volumes in one, oblong 4to (23.5 x 31.5cm), 97 & 83 pages, engraved throughout ("Écrit par Sampier"), titles unpriced and unnumbered, each followed by blank openings, plate numbers 138 & 166, early nineteenth-century cloth boards, manuscript labels to cover and spine, some light browning, to corners and edges rubbed, pp.95-97 loose in Book 2
Literature
RISM B 497 & B 498; Hirsch, iii 57; cf Hoboken 94 & 97; Fuld pp.117-118; BWV 846-893.
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
RARE. We have no record of offering Bach's complete "48" in Simrock's first edition; even few libraries contain both volumes. This celebrated work contains many of Bach's best-loved keyboard pieces, including the Prelude in C major BWV 846. Simrock published Book 1 first in 1801 and the second the following year: here both Books bear the same title page, originally issued for Book 2, and are numbered by hand, albeit incorrectly (Book 2 is bound before Book 1). Two other editions of the "48" were published almost contemporaneously in Zurich and Vienna, but Simrock's edition is considered to be the first. It contains an extra bar (bar 23) in the C major prelude. Plate numbers were not engraved on the titles, page 7 of Book 1 or pages 14 & 60 of Book 2.