J.S. Bach, First edition of the St Matthew Passion, vocal score, Berlin: 1830

BACH, JOHANN SEBASTIAN

Grosse Passionsmusik nach dem Evangelium Matthaei....vollständiger Klavierauszug von Adolph Bernhard Marx, BWV 244, Berlin: Schlesinger, 1830

FIRST EDITION OF THE VOCAL SCORE OF THE "ST MATTHEW PASSION", 190 pages, oblong 4to (25.4 x 33.2cm), engraved title, subscription list (3 numbered pages), contents list (verso blank), and music (plate number 1571), publisher's stamp to title, contemporary half calf, ownership inscription to flyleaf ("A. Ergmann"), worn with spine defective, some staining to corners [RISM B 436; Hirsch, IV, 1136; Fuld, p.171; cf. Hoboken, I, 27]

This is a good early copy of one of the greatest masterpieces of Western music, with clear impressions and little sign of wear to the engraved plates.